where does the term "around the horn" come from in baseball?

Answer 1

around the horn a 5-4-3 double play, in which the ball goes from the third baseman, to the second baseman, who tags second, to the first baseman, who tags first. Like many baseball terms, this originates from sailing. Until the Panama Canal was built, the quickest way from the North Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean was to sail around Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America. By extension, "going around the horn" refers to covering all or several angles of something in baseball. More commonly, this phrase refers to the tradition of tossing the ball around the infield after an out is recorded such that no runners are left on base. For example, after an out recorded at first base, if there are no runners on, the first baseman will toss to the second baseman, and the ball will subsequently be thrown to the shortstop and then the third baseman, and finally back to the pitcher. The order in which the ball is thrown "around the horn," can vary from team to team and from situation to situation, but many teams see this as the "way" to do it and it may even be considered bad luck to deviate from this standard pattern. Also, some teams use this only when a strikeout is recorded. This version starts with the pitch being thrown and the last strike recorded then is quickly thrown from the catcher to the first baseman who proceeds with the regular order. Now it is used more as a method to show off, than to ensure that no runner is left on.

Answer 2

That's a double play started by the 3rd baseman throws to the 2nd baseman and then to the 1st baseman (6-4-3).

It's around all the bases, hence "around" the horn
Not sure when it got started being called that.

Answer 3

There are many theories out there. Land lubbers came to know it from baseball in it's early days when ball players, after an out, and no one on base, would through it "around the horn, e.g.., first to second to to third to pitcher. It was really a show off stunt meant to entertain the folks with the trowing skills. It was also used by sailors who, before the canal was built, had to go around Cape Horn. I even read one anecdote that claimed the first captain to sail around didn't name it after a shape, but his home town, Hornne. Take your pick.