The Definitive Online Sports Stylebook

The Ben Watanabe Sports Stylebook

MLB

  • Phils

    Acceptable on subsequent reference in copy to refer to the Philadelphia Phillies. The full nickname Fightin’ Phils, may also be used sparingly. Avoid in headlines, as it weakens SEO.

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  • Bronx Bombers

    Acceptable on subsequent reference in copy to the New York Yankees. Also, Bombers may be used sparingly. Avoid in headlines, as it weakens SEO.

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  • South Siders

    Acceptable on subsequent reference in copy to the Chicago White Sox. Avoid in headlines, as it weakens SEO.

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  • North Siders

    Acceptable on subsequent reference in copy to the Chicago Cubs. Avoid in headlines, as it weakens SEO.

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  • southpaw

    Acceptable in all references to a left-handed pitcher.

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  • qualifying offer

    A one-year contract, at a set price, offered by an MLB team to a free agent who meets certain qualifications. If another team signs the player, the offering team receives draft-pick compensation. The abbreviation “QO” should not be used.

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  • MLB All-Star Home Run Derby

    Should be written out fully on first reference in copy when referring to the event that takes place before the MLB All-Star Game every season. In headlines where the full name isn’t feasible, home run derby is acceptable. On subsequent reference in copy, simply derby also is acceptable. See: MLB All-Star Game

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  • MLB All-Star Game

    On subsequent reference, All-Star Game is acceptable, as is Midsummer Classic, although the latter should not be overused. When used as an adjective, with some exceptions, do not capitalize nouns that the term defines: MLB All-Star break; MLB All-Star ballot; MLB All-Star selection Players named to the team are All-Stars. See: MLB All-Star Home Run

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  • National League pennant

    Informal term for the championship of the National League in MLB. The “p” is never capitalized. In all headlines and on subsequent reference in copy, NL pennant is acceptable; simply pennant may be used on subsequent reference when it is clear which league is being referred to.

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  • American League pennant

    Informal term for the championship of the American League in MLB. The “p” is never capitalized. In all headlines and on subsequent reference in copy, AL pennant is acceptable; simply pennant may be used on subsequent reference when it is clear which league is being referred to.

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