noun a person who plays ball games, especially baseball or basketball
In a general sports context, a ballplayer can refer to any athlete who plays ball sports such as baseball, basketball, football, etc.
Colloquially, 'ballplayer' can be used to describe someone who is skilled or talented in a particular field, not necessarily sports-related.
A ballplayer is a professional or amateur athlete who plays baseball.
In the context of a writer, 'ballplayer' may be used to refer to a character in a story who is a professional baseball player.
In the context of a psychologist, 'ballplayer' may be used to describe a patient who is struggling with performance anxiety related to their career as a professional athlete.
In the context of a sports broadcaster, 'ballplayer' is commonly used to refer to athletes in various sports, not just baseball players.
In the context of a sports agent, 'ballplayer' is used to refer to their clients who are professional athletes, including baseball players.