The phrase "out of left field" means strange, odd or unexpected.

This phrase, "out of left field", clearly originates in baseball, referring to a play where the left fielder retrieves a ball from deep left field and throws it to first base surprising the runner. However, there is a more colorful back story. Between 1893 and 1915 the Chicago Cubs played at the West Side Grounds. Located behind left field was a mental hospital and players reported hearing odd comments during games. Indeed, there is a plaque at the West Side Grounds that states that "way out in left field" originated at these grounds.

Use Example - "I can't believe Steve got that mad. That was completely out of left field."

Source Tags : Sports