imaginary runner

American  

[ih-maj-uh-ner-ee ruhn-er] / ɪˈmædʒ əˌnɛr i ˈrʌn ər /

noun

Baseball, Softball.

1. Also called invisible runner.  Also called invisible man.  Also called ghost runner.  a provision of informal, usually childhood play in which a deficit of players allows a base runner to return to home plate for their at-bat while being replaced on base by an imaginary player, the advancement of whom is governed by various rules agreed to beforehand: also utilized in stickball, kickball, and other games related to baseball.

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Etymology

Origin of imaginary runner

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Rather than walking up to the mound and just faking a throw, they paused, pretended to stare down an imaginary runner, held the imaginary ball for 3-4 seconds and mimicked a complete follow-through.

From Washington Times • Feb. 26, 2015