brushback

[bruhsh-bak]

noun

Baseball.

1. a fastball thrown high and inside to force the batter away from the plate, often to intimidate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of brushback¹

First recorded in 1950–55; noun use of verb phrase brush back

Example Sentences

Using a baseball tactic that former college ballplayer Gavin Newsom should understand, the Legislature has started throwing brushback pitches at the lame duck governor.

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That was a blazing McGuire brushback pitch.

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Newsom, of course, also has many potential brushback pitches in his arsenal.

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Learn from the brushback pitches.

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Other times they need the fastball down the middle or maybe under the chin — they might need the brushback.”

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