Where did the phrase 'stepping in the bucket' originate?

Answer 1

The phrase 'stepping in the bucket' may have originated from a short starring Babe Ruth where he criticizes a young player for 'stepping in the bucket.' This is a phrase that means the batter has an open stance and steps towards third base and short stop when he swings. There is a player who was notorious for this stance who went by the nickname of "Bucketfoot Al." His name was Al Simmons and he played during the 1930's.