Dennis Eckersley is perhaps the only baseball announcer that has spawned his owned dictionary.
The latest entry for the 2020 season, however, was somewhat of a mystery.
"Pair of shoes."
The use of the term came when the NESN announcer punctuated a strikeout looking. But unlike some of the other sayings, the origin of the term wasn't exactly obvious. As it turns out, Eckersley was surprised as anyone the first time he broke it out.
"I don't know man. I've been doing this so long. I guess it's who I am. I'm amazed sometimes at some of the stuff that comes out, in particular 'The pair of shoes.' It's kind of weird, isn't it? It just made sense to me," he said when appearing on OMF Thursday. "The guy is standing there in a pair of shoes, you know. That's how things happen. But most of stuff I've said has been said before somewhere. I don't know where the hell I got it. You know how it is. Cheese has been there forever.
"I'm always looking for something and sometimes it will just pop. It just pops. And you've got to make it fun. Come on. This is a bore."
So, along with the unique verbiage, how does Eckersley think baseball can be spiced up?
"I'm different because I was always anxious. First of all, the catcher has to get down there and give you a sign so ultimately it's about the hitter," he noted. "He has to get in the box. He has to get in the box to play. It's not going to work."
When it was pointed out by Lou Merloni that many of the pitchers are taking forever to deliver the ball, Eckersley relented a bit.
"No, you're right. Then you have those guys," the Hall-of-Famer said. "It's a joke. Everybody has these routines that are sickening. I was kind of superstitious in my own little way, but I was fast about it."
Eckersley also agreed that baseball is trending toward a more animated product, as has been shown throughout moments during this postseason. He does warn, however, such an approach can be a fine line.
"I think so, without a doubt. Did you see some of those bat flips in San Diego? Oh my God, it was incredible," Eckersley said. "I'm the first guy who can't say anything because I used to punch guys out os I have to be careful when I ever try and criticize guys showing somebody up. But at the same time, I'm cool with the kids having fun but you've got to be a little careful. Don't throw it up 30 feet. Give me a little flip and you can style all you want, especially when it's a big home run, not a solo piece in the first."