center field

American  

noun

Baseball.

1. the area of the outfield beyond second base and between right field and left field.

2. the position of the player covering this area.

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Etymology

Origin of center field

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

From center field, there is a rhythm to the game.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Fifty years ago, Rick Monday was minding his own business, tending to center field for the Chicago Cubs in a game at Dodger Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

It was Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, when the grass outside the baseline and the bright red sign high above center field read “UNIQLO FIELD.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

McLean delivered a four-seam fastball into the center of the strike zone and Boston Red Sox left-fielder Wilyer Abreu duly pounced, crushing a 414-foot solo home run to center field for a 2-0 lead.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Whenever I’m playing center field, I always keep a wad of seeds in my cheek and spit them at patches of grass, divots, pieces of paper, and dandelions.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner