Question

What does the phrase 'ballpark' mean, and how did it come to be used in this way?

Answer 1

a ballpark figure means anything near that. an approximate amount.

Answer 2

This expression for an educated guess or a close estimate comes from the American ball fields.. . In the old days, baseball games were only played during daylight hours. News reporters covering the games wanted to know the attendance so they could report it in the evening paper. Managers would never want to reveal a low figure, so they guessed - giving a broad or ballpark figure.. . But where did "ballpark" come from? Baseball stadiums were called ballparks beginning in the early 1900s. Before that they were ball grounds and ball fields. "Baseball stadium" may be popular usage today, but "ballpark" prevails in expressions like "in the ballpark," meaning well within reach.

Answer 3

Dunno how it originated... but if you're in the "ballpark," then you've got a reasonable estimate. It simply means you're on the "right track" :P

Answer 4

1. A park or stadium in which ball games are played.. . 2. Slang. The approximately proper range, as of possibilities or alternatives: Your estimate is high, but still in the ballpark.

Answer 5

Home base would be a precise location. Ballpark gives the approximate position of home base, but not the exact position.

Answer 6

ballpark figure: ruff estimate on a number. comes from the fact that there is no really accurate way of of calculating a number unless you are there and can see the numbers. like a ballpark, you cannot say how big is the seating unless you have an accurate count.