also: トップ・バッター
noun
leadoff batter; first batter
Baseball term for the first batter in the lineup. Wasei-eigo from English 'top batter'.
wasei-eigo (Japanese-coined English), from top batter
彼はチームのトップバッターとして試合に出た。
He played in the game as the team's leadoff batter.
noun
first person to appear; first up
Extended use outside baseball: the first person to perform, speak, or appear in any sequence. Common in variety shows, presentations, and events.
会議のトップバッターとして意見を述べた。
As the first speaker at the meeting, I gave my opinion.
今日の発表のトップバッターは田中さんです。
Today's first presenter is Mr. Tanaka.