L.a. Speak

ding dong: term yelled from the dugout when catcher takes a foul tip off the cup.

dragging a piano: \o7 v. \f7 when a runner is moving slowly.

dust: \o7 v\f7 . to knock a batter down with a pitch.

55-foot-curve: \o7 n\f7 . a breaking ball that bounces before reaching the plate.

in the black: the lateral edges of the plate, where good pitchers try to keep the ball. "Hershiser never gives you anything right down the middle; he's always \o7 in the black.\f7 "

kissed: \o7 v. \f7 hit exceptionally hard. "That ball was \o7 kissed.\f7 " \o7 Syn.\f7 tattooed.

stick a fork in him: said of pitcher who has had it for the day. "Well, I guess we can \o7 stick a fork in him\f7 ; he's done."

wounded duck: \o7 n\f7 . a sick-looking blooper that drops in for a base hit. \o7 Syn. \f7 Texas leaguer.