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 • Sep. 17, 2025

Now, as filmmaker and recreational ballplayer Carson Lund points out, America’s pastime has become just another transactional activity — something you can schedule to get in and out of.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2025

So he was a complete ballplayer for six years from 1981 until 1986.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2024

“The more I see him every day the more I realize how special of a person and a ballplayer he is.”

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

Back in the twenties I was a pretty good ballplayer myself, though nothing like Jackie.

From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson