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Ducks on the Pond: Baseball Terminology

Ducks on the pond may be something you see in your backyard or at a park; ducks are also on the pond at most every baseball game played.  Ducks refers to base runners and pond refers to the bases.

This term is typically used by the offense when cheering on a hitter to drive in a few runs.  It can be said in a state of relief (We finally got some ducks on the pond) or in a situation where runs are needed (Let’s go!  You got some ducks on the pond!).  Either way, you know that there are runners on base who are ready to cross home plate and score some runs.  They don’t want to be stranded in the field.

Ducks on the PondWhile it is typically used with the bases loaded, the term can refer to any number or runners on base.  Another variation in using the term is that it could refer to a batter being an easy out.  There is an old saying that something is “as easy as shooting ducks on a pond,” which would imply that the runners will not score and do not need to be worried about.

The origin of “ducks on the pond” is believed to have come from Arch McDonald, an announcer for the Washington Senators in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.  While it does sound like a term used by an older generation, this is still used today in baseball.  It is a saying that many casual fans will not understand simply by hearing it said at a game.

Next time you are at a ballgame, you can impress the people sitting next to you by tossing around an old baseball term and tell them the origins.  You will be an instant baseball expert!

Comments

  1. Have had the knowledge that Dizzy Dean is credited with the saying of “THE Ducks are on the Pond” with the special circumstance that the two or three batters in front of him (in order) are now on base, safely. Otherwise … its just simply “The bases are loaded”.

  2. As a youngster in the mid to late 50’s I remember the late and great Dizzy Dean using that term. For some reason I knew what he was talking about the first time I heard him using it. I guess if you grew up with a glove and base ball in your hands you were exempt from not catching on to old time terms. I still am intrigued with the game. Not so much with the pros, but with my grandson’s high school team. Roll Tidehaven Tigers.

  3. Brian Dunbar says

    Ernie Harwell ONLY used the expression when there were runners on second and third (in scoring position)

    • I just heard this term for the first time watching the Yankees playing the Orioles on 7/23/22 it was said with runners on 1st and 3rd with Aaron judge coming to the plate I think the announcers should throw in some more old baseball sayings more often it’s always good to learn something new about the game

  4. I first heard if from my high school baseball coach in 1970.

  5. Technically, ducks on a pond in reference to baseball, are runners on 2nd & 3rd base, not 1st base. The reasoning is that usually a base hit will score runners on 2nd & 3rd but not from 1st base.

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