major-leaguer
Top-tier ballplayer
A major-leaguer is a player in a major league, especially Major League Baseball.
The term extends to anyone operating at the highest level of their field: She's a major-leaguer in corporate law.
The opposite, minor-leaguer, suggests someone not quite ready for top competition.
Exceptionally talented performer
- aceSingle-pip card
- superstarExceptionally famous performer
- hall-of-famerHonored member of elite
- championTop competitor, or advocate
legend · prodigy · phenom · closer · starter · veteran · cornerstone
Pouring vessel or hurler
- shortstopInfield position, number six
- outfielderPlayer beyond the infield
- catcherMasked diamond position
- infielderDiamond interior defender
bullpen · dugout · fastball · curveball · slider · bunt · steal · pinch-hitter
Championship elimination series
- championshipCompetition for top rank
- pennantTapering nautical flag
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
opponent · underdog · contender · division · standings · wild-card · postseason · clinch
First public appearance
- call-upOrder to serve
- promotionRank increase or publicity
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- endorsementFormal expression of support
retirement · comeback · tenure · milestone · record-breaker · longevity · peak · decline
all-star
Exceptionally talented performer
- aceSingle-pip card
- superstarExceptionally famous performer
- hall-of-famerHonored member of elite
champion · legend · prodigy · phenom · closer · starter · veteran · cornerstone
pitcher
Pouring vessel or hurler
- shortstopInfield position, number six
- outfielderPlayer beyond the infield
- catcherMasked diamond position
infielder · bullpen · dugout · fastball · curveball · slider · bunt · steal · pinch-hitter · error
playoffs
Championship elimination series
- championshipCompetition for top rank
- pennantTapering nautical flag
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
matchup · opponent · underdog · contender · division · standings · wild-card · postseason · clinch · sweep
debut
First public appearance
endorsement · retirement · comeback · tenure · milestone · record-breaker · longevity · peak · decline · trade
major-leagueramateur
Nonprofessional participant
small-timer · lightweight · second-stringer · Little Leaguer · novice
major, league, majors, leagues, leaguer, leaguers, major-league, majority, mayor