Yaya

Okay, let’s discuss the word “Yaya” in baseball. The term ‘Yaya’ is believed to have originated from the Spanish word ‘callar ‘, which means ‘to be quiet ‘. In our baseball circles, particularly in the Houston area, ‘Yaya’ is a phrase often used when someone is talking a little too much, being too talkative, or even bragging about their talents or what they’re going to do on the field.

Consider this: you’re out there during a game, and a player from the opposite team is continually jawing, attempting to get inside your mind, or not letting up with the talk. That is when you may hear someone comment, “Man, that guy won’t stop with the Yaya.” For instance, if a pitcher keeps boasting about his next pitch, or a batter keeps taunting the pitcher, it’s all about the banter, the noise, and the trash talk—in other words, someone talking much too much.

From a coach’s standpoint, ‘Yaya’ can play a crucial role. It can either energize your team, inspiring them to prove the loudmouth wrong, or it can be a distraction if not handled carefully. As a player, you learn to either ignore it or use it as fuel. The key is to stay focused and not let the talk distract you, which is where ‘Yaya’ comes into play, reminding you to keep your mind in the game.

In the dugout, ‘Yaya’ serves a different purpose. It’s not just about the game; it’s also about creating a lighthearted atmosphere. If a teammate is teasing you in a friendly way, you might respond with, ‘Cut the Yaya; let’s focus on the game.’ It’s a way to keep things in order and remind everyone of the task at hand, all while maintaining a relaxed, enjoyable environment.

So, in summary, ‘Yaya’ is all about the conversation—whether it’s pleasant banter, trash talk, or just simple chatter. It’s a word that’s deeply ingrained in our game, particularly here in Houston. The next time you’re at a game and hear someone say ‘yaya,’ you’ll know exactly what they mean. It’s a part of our shared baseball culture, a reminder to keep your mind in the game and let the yaya be background noise for your performance!