トップバッター
also: トップ・バッター
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Meanings
1
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
He played in the game as the team's leadoff batter.
2
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.
As the first speaker at the meeting, I gave my opinion.
Today's first presenter is Mr. Tanaka.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉がトップバッターを務めるfor someone to serve as the leadoff/first person
He served as the leadoff batter in today's game.
- トップバッターとして〈動詞〉to do something as the first one up
She gave her speech as the first speaker.
- トップバッターを切るto be the one who goes first / kicks things off
The new employee was the first to give a presentation.