In baseball, a player who defends one of the bases, specifically first, second, or third base. A fielder positioned near a base to catch throws and tag runners.
Compound word from 'base' plus 'man', formed in mid-19th century America as baseball developed its specialized terminology. 'Base' comes from Greek 'basis' meaning 'foundation' or 'stepping place'.
The term 'baseman' reveals baseball's democratic origins - unlike aristocratic sports with fancy titles, baseball used plain, descriptive compound words that any worker could understand. First baseman, second baseman, third baseman - the language is as straightforward as the American game itself.
Generic masculine 'man' suffix in sports roles historically excluded women from professional play and formal recognition. Language solidified occupational gender segregation throughout 20th-century sports.
Use 'base player' or 'infielder' to include all genders in this position.
["base player","infielder","third baseman/second baseman/first baseman (use specific position with neutral suffix)"]
Women have been competing in baseball variants since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (1943–1954), a contribution erased by gendered terminology.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.