heavy-hitter

Noun

heavy hitter (plural heavy hitters)

1. A player with a favorable batting average who is especially good at hitting the ball deep into the outfield or farther.
   • This year's heavy hitter is Bobby Bonilla, the Pirates' slugger who's seeking to hit the biggest home run of his life.1991 November 20, Claire Smith, “On Baseball: Bonilla Barnstorming In Search of Best Deal”, in New York Times, retrieved 20 Aug 2014
2. (broadly) In any sport, a strong, physical player who is particularly effective.
   • On defense I always try to pair a good body-checker with a sound, steady player; for example, Ted Harris, a heavy hitter, with J. C. Tremblay, a clever defenseman.1967 November 6, Hector (Toe) Blake, “Keep Your Eye On An Exciting Game”, in Sports Illustrated, retrieved 20 Aug 2014
3. (idiomatic) Someone or something of considerable importance; a person who is a major decision maker or capable achiever; an especially significant organization or an especially functional object.
   • Even Mrs Clinton, the heavy hitter, will need every ounce of her formidable powers.1993 January 28, Rupert Cornwell, “Hillary called to cure ills of US health system”, in Independent, UK, retrieved 20 Aug 2014

   Synonyms:

   big shot, heavyweight