phrases using baseball lingo

Hit a home run

To give an excellent performance or to do an outstanding job

“Yuko hit a home run with her speech to the management team.”

The 2nd inning

Early in the timeline of a project or process

“We are only in the 2nd inning so it is too early to talk about quitting.”

the 4th or 5th inning would be considered the middle and the 8th or 9th inning would be considered near the end of the project or process.

Hit a double (get to 2nd base on one hit)

To accomplish two tasks instead of one

“Mieko hit a double when she sold her customer a computer and a cell phone.
”

Won't get to first base

Fail early by using the wrong approach or technique to begin a project

“Ms. Yoshida won't get to first base with that terrible sales pitch.”

Strike out

To fail repeatedly at a task

“Mr. Tanaka will be fired if he keeps striking out.”