5 5 hole

The term “5.5 hole” in baseball denotes the region or territory bounded by the third baseman (5) and the shortstop (6). The term in question gained prominence due to the striking prowess of Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, who frequently utilized this area. It is difficult for the shortstop to complete a successful swing towards the 5.5-hole and similarly difficult for the batter to strike the ball in this area. The term “5 hole” in baseball pertains to a distinct location on the field. It is unrelated to the aforementioned phenomenon in hockey, which denotes a puck passing between the legs of a player, specifically the catcher.

The individual who introduced the phrase, Tony Gwynn, did so, and he employed it to guide his striking strategy and serve as a reminder. As an additional motivation to concentrate on striking the ball through that region, he would affix the number “5.5” to his footwear.

The term is distinct from the sport of baseball and has no application to any other activity or sport. Particularly, striking and fielding strategies involving the area between the third baseman and the shortstop have entered the vocabulary of baseball.