Decoding the Diamond: “Dribbler That Gets a Batter on Base, E.g.”
Another day, another crossword puzzle staring back at me with its enigmatic grid. Today’s head-scratcher? “Dribbler that gets a batter on base, e.g.” It’s a clue that conjures images of baseball diamonds and the delicate dance between bat and ball. But what precisely
is
this “dribbler” they speak of?
The beauty of crossword clues lies in their ability to distill complex concepts into a handful of words. This clue does exactly that, instantly planting us firmly on the baseball field. We’re looking for something relatively weak, indicated by the word “dribbler,” yet potent enough to disrupt the game’s rhythm and, critically, advance a player to first base.
Thinking about baseball scenarios, what outcomes could a softly hit ball generate that benefit the batter? We’re not talking about towering home runs or screaming line drives. We need to consider those little bloops, those unexpected bounces, the kind of hit that makes you hold your breath as the fielder frantically tries to make a play.
The “e.g.” (exempli gratia, or “for example”) is our silent guide, suggesting that the answer is a specific type of play rather than a general term. It implies a recognized baseball term that fits the description.
Now, let’s break down the elements of the clue.
Dribbler:
This emphasizes the lack of power behind the hit. It’s not a solid connection, more of a glancing blow. Think weak contact, minimal distance traveled.
Gets a batter on base:
This is the ultimate consequence. The play must result in the batter reaching first base safely. This eliminates options like a sacrifice fly (where the runner advances but the batter is out).
E.g.:
This points to a common, recognizable term in baseball terminology. It’s not some obscure, rarely-used play.
Considering these elements, we can brainstorm various possibilities. Could it be a result of defensive misjudgment? Perhaps a lucky bounce off the plate? Or maybe a specific type of fielding error that forces a runner to first? The key is the combination of weakness in the hit and the batter’s subsequent advancement.
Consider the fielder’s perspective. What kind of “dribbler” is hardest to handle? Is it something that spins unpredictably? Or something that dies quickly in the infield grass? These are the nuances that crossword creators often exploit.
Think less about brute force and more about finesse, or perhaps a lack thereof. Think about plays that are borne of chance, or perhaps skillful manipulation of the bat. The answer is hiding somewhere in the realm of softly-hit balls and the surprising results they can yield. Remember, baseball is a game of inches, and sometimes the weakest hit can be the most effective.
Keep those scenarios running through your mind, and you’ll be closer to unearthing the answer to “Dribbler that gets a batter on base, e.g.” Good luck, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
INFIELDHIT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Katherine Baicker & Laura Dershewitz / Ed. Patti Varol