General
painting the black
What does painting the black mean?
Locating pitches precisely on the black border edge of home plate, at the very corners of the strike zone.
"He was painting the black all night, hitting his spots perfectly."
Origin
American baseball slang; home plate is trimmed with a black border, the pitcher 'paints' its edge.
Frequently asked questions
What does painting the black mean in baseball?
It means locating pitches precisely on the black border edge of home plate, right at the corners of the strike zone.
Why is it called painting the black?
Home plate is trimmed with a black border, so a pitcher hitting that edge is said to 'paint the black.'
Is painting the black a good thing?
Yes, it signals elite command, as the pitcher is hitting the toughest corners of the zone.
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