Baseball steak, also known as top sirloin steak, is a cut of beef from the sirloin primal cut. The name “baseball steak” comes from the round, ball-like shape of the cut, resembling a baseball. This lean, flavorful steak is a popular choice for grilling or pan-searing. But why is this particular cut of beef called “baseball steak”?

The origins of the name are uncertain, but there are a few theories. One is that the term was coined in the early 20th century, during the heyday of baseball’s popularity in America. Beef eventually became a staple food served at baseball games, and this round steak cut resembled the size and shape of a baseball. The name “baseball steak” emerged as a clever marketing ploy to get fans to buy the steak.

Another possible explanation is that the ball shape allowed the steak to be easily skewered and held in the hand while eating. This made it an ideal meal for eating in the stands at a baseball game. The portability coupled with the baseball motif made “baseball steak” a fitting nickname that stuck.

While the exact origins are unknown, it’s clear that the cut’s distinct round form resembling a baseball gave rise to the memorable moniker. The name “baseball steak” conjures imagery of Americana – kids playing catch in the backyard while dad grills up steaks for dinner. This nostalgia is part of what has solidified baseball steak as a classic choice for a juicy and flavorful grilled steak.

Choosing the Best Cut of Baseball Top Sirloin

When selecting a baseball steak, also called top sirloin steak, it pays to understand the different cuts available:

Top Sirloin Cap Steak – This is considered the premium cut of top sirloin. It comes from the upper portion of the sirloin primal cut near the tenderloin region. It is the most tender and expensive cut of top sirloin steak.

Top Sirloin Butt Steak – From the upper middle of the sirloin, this cut has good marbling that provides flavor and juiciness. It is a high quality and affordable steak choice.

Top Sirloin Center Steak – This comes from the center of the sirloin primal cut. It has less marbling than the cap or butt steaks, but still provides good tenderness and flavor.

Top Sirloin Wedge Steak – Shaped like a wedge, this steak comes from near the round primal cut. It can be less tender than other sirloin steaks but offers good value.

Baseball Cut Top Sirloin – Baseball steaks can be cut from any of the top sirloin sections. They are round steaks of varying tenderness and price, useful for grilling or pan frying.

For maximum tenderness and flavor, select a USDA Choice graded top sirloin cap steak or top sirloin butt steak. Choice grade has just the right amount of marbling. Lower Prime grade steaks can also offer excellent quality and taste. Avoid Select grade sirloin steaks since they will be much tougher.

Cooking Baseball Steak Sirloins

Baseball steaks offer great versatility for cooking. Their meaty flavor pairs well with bold seasonings and they can be cooked quickly over high heat. Here are some tips for cooking top sirloin baseball steaks:

How to Cook Ball Tip Steak in the Oven

• Bring steak to room temperature before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
• Generously season both sides of the steak with salt, pepper and your choice of spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme all work well.
• Preheat oven to 450°F. Heat an oven-safe skillet over high heat on the stovetop.
• When the skillet is very hot, add a thin layer of oil then carefully place steak in the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Once steak is well-browned, place the skillet into the preheated oven. Roast for 5-7 minutes until it reaches your desired doneness.
• Remove steak from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

How to Cook Top Sirloin on the Grill

• Pat steak dry and let sit at room temperature while heating grill.
• Coat both sides of the steak lightly in oil. Season generously with salt, pepper and your favorite spices or dry rub.
• Heat grill to high. Place steak directly over heat and grill for 4-5 minutes per side with the lid closed.
• Move the steak to indirect heat, close grill lid, and continue cooking to your desired doneness, about 5 more minutes for medium-rare.
• Once cooked, remove from grill and let steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Cooking top sirloin baseball steaks over very high heat, whether grilled or pan-seared, gives the best results. Use a meat thermometer to check for your desired doneness. Cook to 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium. Avoid overcooking these lean steaks to prevent toughness.

Cook and Enjoy a Baseball Steak

Chicago Steak Company provides high quality baseball steaks for home cooks. Their USDA Choice grade top sirloin steaks are naturally flavorful and tender. Here is an easy recipe to cook a mouthwatering baseball steak dinner from Chicago Steak Company:

Ingredients:

• 2 (8-10 oz) baseball cut top sirloin steaks, 1.5 inches thick
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Coarse salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Remove steaks from packaging and pat completely dry with paper towels. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Make a basting butter by combining butter, garlic, and thyme in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Prepare cooking grill or grill pan to high heat. Brush steaks lightly with olive oil and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Place steaks directly over high heat. Grill for 4 minutes on the first side. Flip steaks and grill for 4 minutes on the second side for medium-rare doneness.
5. In the last minute of cooking, top each steak with a tablespoon of the garlic-thyme butter. Use a spoon to baste the steak with the melting butter.
6. Remove steaks from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!

The natural flavor of Chicago Steak Company baseball sirloins paired with the garlic-thyme butter makes for an indulgent, restaurant-worthy meal you can enjoy right at home. Cooked over high heat, these baseball steaks deliver a tender and juicy steakhouse experience.

Baseball Steak FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about baseball steak:

What is another name for a baseball steak?

Baseball steak is also known as top sirloin steak. It comes from the sirloin primal cut of beef.

Is a baseball steak filet mignon?

No, baseball steaks are not the same as filet mignon. Filet mignon comes from the tenderloin primal cut, so it is much more tender and delicate in texture than baseball steak.

How do you cook a baseball steak?

Baseball steaks can be grilled, pan-seared, broiled or roasted in the oven. They are best cooked over high heat for a short period of time just until browned on the outside and cooked to medium-rare or medium on the inside.

What does the term baseball steak mean?

Baseball steak refers to top sirloin steak cut into a round, ball-like shape reminiscent of a baseball. This distinct rounded shape gives the steak its “baseball” nickname.

Baseball steaks are a classic American cut of beef that provide big, bold meaty flavor. Their versatility making them ideal for everything from backyard grilling to an elevated restaurant-quality meal at home. With a properly cooked baseball sirloin steak, you can enjoy the satisfying taste of a juicy grilled steak any night of the week.

Take Away

Baseball steaks have earned their distinctive moniker thanks to their unique round, ball-like shape. While the exact origins of why this cut is called “baseball steak” may be uncertain, the name conjures nostalgic images of Americana that have solidified its status as a classic.

When shopping, look for high quality grades of top sirloin cap or butt steaks for the best flavor and tenderness. Baseball steaks are easy to prepare on the grill or stove with just a simple seasoning of salt and pepper.

Their beefy juiciness and versatility have made baseball steaks an enduring menu staple for backyard cookouts and steakhouse dinners alike. So now when you enjoy a baseball steak, you can appreciate the history behind its fitting nickname.

For more Steak recipes refer to: Steak Quesadilla