One who plays the sport of hardball. / (informal) One who exhibits tough or ruthless behaviour.

plural of hardballer

(ball games) In baseball, a type of ball and baseball game, as opposed to softball. / Tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business.

Being or exhibiting tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business.

(transitive) To exhibit tough and ruthless behavior towards.

plural of hardball

present participle of hardball

simple past tense and past participle of hardball

(idiomatic) To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused. / (idiomatic) To act rough and ruthless, especially in politics or business.

present participle of play hardball