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Hot Stove League

Posted by ESC on February 13, 2004

In Reply to: Hot Stove League posted by Brian from Shawnee on February 13, 2004

: Hot Stove League (U.S. origin) refers to discussions among baseball fans during the off season. Since baseball is played mainly in the hot months of summer, the stove is hot during the off season, when players are traded and deals are made.

: I don't know who coined the phrase or when, but I was surprised to discover that a colleague who is an avid baseball fan had never heard this term before.

Hot Stove League -- Originally baseball. Sports enthusiasts who continue to discuss their sport during the off-season. This reference lists the phrase being used in 1886 in "Spirit of the Times." That's not necessary the source, but the first printed use the editors could find. From Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume 2, H-O, by J.E. Lighter, Random House, New York, 1997.

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