“Inside baseball” is a term that originally comes from the sport of baseball, where it refers to the intricate strategies, tactics, or nuances of the game that are typically understood and appreciated only by those who are deeply familiar with it. Over time, the phrase has evolved and is used more broadly in various contexts, especially in politics, business, and other fields.
In a general sense, “inside baseball” can refer to discussions or information that are highly specialized, technical, or esoteric, often excluding those who are not part of the inner circle or who lack the specific knowledge required to fully understand the topic. It can imply that the conversation is too focused on the minutiae or details that may not be relevant or interesting to a wider audience.
For example, in a corporate setting, a discussion about complex financial regulations might be described as “inside baseball” if it goes into great detail that only finance professionals would find relevant. Similarly, in politics, it might refer to discussions about intricate party strategies or legislative maneuvers that are not of interest to the general public.
Overall, while “inside baseball” can denote expertise and depth of knowledge, it can also carry a connotation of elitism, suggesting that the information is not accessible or engaging to a broader audience.