ball game

Or ballgame

noun

1. any game played with a ball, especially baseball or softball.

2. Informal.,  a situation and all its attendant circumstances.

   Having a new administration in power changes the entire ball game at city hall.

3. Archaeology.,  a ceremonial game of both ritual and sporting significance, played by teams on a ball court in Mesoamerican cultures from the Preclassic period to the Spanish conquest.

ball game

noun

1. any game played with a ball

2. a game of baseball

3. informal,  a situation; state of affairs (esp in the phrase a whole new ball game )

Word History and Origins

Origin of ball game¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Since Montgomery took over as manager, the Angels are 2-5 in one-run ball games, including all three games in the Toronto series.

From Los Angeles Times

Play experts want to ban "no ball games" signs and protect playtime during school breaks, to reduce the time children spend on screens.

From BBC

“I think once he gets more playing time here, I think, you know, it’s going to be great for the organization and help us win ball games.”

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, a half-inning later, the Marlins made it a brand new ball game.

From Los Angeles Times

That, to be blunt, is the whole ball game.

From Salon