Definition of Who's on First?
"Who's on First?" is a comedy routine made famous by American comedy duo Abbott and Costello. The premise of the sketch is that Abbott is identifying the players on a baseball team for Costello. However, the players' names can simultaneously serve as the basis for questions (e.g., "Who is the first baseman?") and responses (e.g., "The first baseman's name is Who."), leading to reciprocal misunderstanding and growing frustration between the performers. Although it is commonly known as "Who's on First?", Abbott and Costello frequently referred to it simply as "Baseball".
In 1956, a gold record of "Who's on First?" was placed in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. A video (taken from the team's 1945 film The Naughty Nineties) plays continuously at the Hall.
In 1999, Time named the routine Best Comedy Sketch of the 20th Century.
Related terms
2000 Year Old Man
The 2000 Year Old Man is a comedy sketch created by Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks in the…
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" is a song by Phil Spector, Barry Mann, and Cynthia…
All I Want for Christmas Is You
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey…
Footloose (song)
"Footloose" is a song co-written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Kenny…
What'd I Say
"What'd I Say" (or "What I Say") is an American rhythm and blues song by Ray Charles…
The Fred Allen Show
The Fred Allen Show was a long-running American radio comedy program starring comedian…
Were You There
"Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)" is an African-American spiritual that was…
We Hold These Truths
We Hold These Truths, a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the United States Bill…
Piano Man
"Piano Man" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel…
Frequently asked questions
What is Who's on First??
"Who's on First?" is a comedy routine made famous by American comedy duo Abbott and Costello. The premise of the sketch is that Abbott is identifying the players on a baseball team for Costello.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Who's on First? – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Public Domain - Snapshot Image – Public domain