Ballplayers

/ˈbɔːlˌpleɪərz/ noun

Definition

People who play ball games, especially baseball players or athletes in sports involving balls.

Etymology

Compound of 'ball' plus 'players,' a straightforward American English term that became standard with the rise of professional baseball in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

The term 'ballplayer' carries an interesting American class history—it started as a somewhat informal or even slightly derogatory term for professional athletes, but today it's worn with pride by some of the most celebrated athletes in the world.

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