Bullpen: meaning, definitions and examples

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bullpen

 

[ ˈbʊlˌpɛn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

baseball term

A bullpen refers to the area in a baseball stadium where relief pitchers warm up before entering the game. It's typically located near the dugouts and can vary in design from a simple area with a fence to more elaborate setups with seating and amenities. The term can also imply the group of relief pitchers themselves who are available to pitch during a game. The bullpen plays a critical role in a team's strategy, especially in ensuring that pitchers are ready and able to perform effectively when called upon.

Synonyms

pitching staff, relief pitchers, warm-up area

Examples of usage

  • The manager decided to warm up the bullpen before the final inning.
  • After the starting pitcher struggled, the team turned to the bullpen for help.
  • The bullpen is crucial for managing the game in tight situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "bullpen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bullpen

🇮🇳 बुलपेन

🇩🇪 Bullpen

🇮🇩 bullpen

🇺🇦 бульпен

🇵🇱 bullpen

🇯🇵 ブルペン

🇫🇷 bullpen

🇪🇸 bullpen

🇹🇷 bullpen

🇰🇷 불펜

🇸🇦 بولبنك

🇨🇿 bullpen

🇸🇰 bullpen

🇨🇳 牛棚

🇸🇮 bullpen

🇮🇸 bullpen

🇰🇿 bullpen

🇬🇪 bullpen

🇦🇿 bullpen

🇲🇽 bullpen

Etymology

The term 'bullpen' has intriguing origins that date back to the early 20th century. It is believed that the word may have derived from the practice of branding cattle, where 'bull' referred to male cattle and 'pen' indicated a confined area. In the context of baseball, it was first documented in the 1930s as a term for the area where pitchers waited to be called into the game. The term gained popularity as baseball evolved, especially with the increasing specialization of pitchers in the sport. The visual of a 'pen' conjures images of pitchers contained and ready to be unleashed, which aptly describes their role during a game. The connection to the term has persisted, with the bullpen remaining an essential element of the game, symbolizing readiness and strategic positioning.