Paint The Black
What does paint the black mean?
To pitch the ball over the edge of home plate
Example
"He doesn't have great velocity but is able to paint the black very consistently."
Related Slang
Usage
✓ Sports Terms (Baseball)
Last Updated: April 29, 2015
A baseball term for when the pitcher throws the ball over the edge of home plate.
The term is used to describe a pitcher's great pitch control and his ability to hit specific spots over the plate and in the strike zone. Home plate has black edges, so if a pitcher can paint the black, he has pinpoint accuracy. The term may also appear as "painting the black" and is similar to the "paint the corners" term.