The phrase "ball player" refers to someone who participates in sports that involve a ball, like basketball, baseball, soccer, or tennis. Full definition
One or ideally two fresh faces are required to do the ugly stuff and let the vast array of ball players do their thing. (caughtoffside.com)
He is very composed on the ball, and is actually a very good ball player. (justarsenal.com)
Listening to said voice, he builds a baseball diamond in the middle of a field, which summons ghosts of great ball players past. (travelandleisure.com)