left field

noun

1

: the position of the player defending left field

2

: the part of the baseball outfield to the left looking out from the plate

3

a

: a state or position far from the mainstream (as of prevailing opinion)

they were really out in left field with that idea

b

: a source of the unexpected or illogical

that question came out of left field

left fielder noun

Examples of left field in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Norby could potentially play in multiple spots — including first base, third base and left field. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

And free-agent addition Austin Hays, who tied Acuña for the team lead with 18 hits this spring, will be playing either right or left field. —Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

The Astros awarded it to prospect Brice Matthews, who compiled a strong spring and, after primarily playing second base last season, expanded his defensive versatility to include center field and left field in camp. —Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026

The only way to get the six veterans into the lineup at the same time is if Alvarez plays left field regularly, opening the DH spot, or if Paredes can prove capable of handling second base on occasion, with Altuve moving to left. —Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for left field

• afield
• airfield
• annealed
• appealed
• brownfield
• coalfield
• concealed
• congealed
• cornfield
• downfield
• goldfield
• hayfield

Kids Definition

left field

noun

1

: the part of the baseball outfield to the left looking out from home plate

2

: the position of the player defending left field

left fielder noun