Like a book

When it comes to baseball, there’s a saying: knowing something inside and out, like the back of your hand. It signifies a profound level of understanding and knowledge about the topic at hand. When a player, coach, or team talks about knowing an opponent “like a book,” it means they’ve really delved into studying and understanding that opponent’s tendencies, strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. We must consider understanding a pitcher’s repertoire and habits, a batter’s preferences and vulnerabilities, or a team’s strategic inclinations. This expression highlights the significance of readiness and insight in baseball, indicating that those equipped with such understanding can precisely anticipate and respond to the adversary’s actions.