at 'em ball
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A hard-hit batted ball hit straight at a fielder in the air for an out.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
If opposing hitters consistently hit balls at -Fielders, the fortunate pitcher is said, to be possessed of an "at 'em ball."
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “at 'em ball” mean?
A hard-hit batted ball hit straight at a fielder in the air for an out.
Is “at 'em ball” formal or informal?
at 'em ball is generally slang.