ballplayer

American  

[bawl-pley-er] / ˈbɔlˌpleɪ ər /

noun

1. a person who plays ball professionally, especially baseball.

2. anyone who plays ball.

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ballplayer British  

/ ˈbɔːlˌpleɪə /

noun

1. a player, esp in soccer, with outstanding ability to control the ball

2. a baseball player, esp a professional

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Etymology

Origin of ballplayer

First recorded in 1610–20; ball ¹ + player

Example Sentences

Bob was once so popular a ballplayer name that managers had to be careful not to trip over one Bob or another on their way through the clubhouse.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Redford, who played baseball at Van Nuys High and was good enough to earn a college scholarship, was convincing as a ballplayer who fashioned his own bat from a tree splintered by lightning.

From Los Angeles Times

“I never had a desire to be a major league ballplayer,” said Ardell, a retired real estate executive who made $1,250 for his big league cameo.

From Los Angeles Times

“It speaks to how much faith I have in him as a ballplayer,” Roberts said.

From Los Angeles Times

Another pretty good ballplayer plays for Team Canada for the same reason, so you never know: Bremner could be teammates with Freddie Freeman next spring and Mike Trout next summer.

From Los Angeles Times