He used the phrase many times. And even the one you cite means the batter was in a very
desirable position, couldn't lose waiting out the next pitch.
Here's from an article about him:
"Red Barber Quotes and Phrases:

"Baseball is dull only to dull minds."
"Whenever you have a tight situation and there's a close pitch, the umpire gets a
squawk no matter how he calls it."
"When I was in baseball and you went into the clubhouse, you didn't see ball
players with curling irons."
"He's sitting in the catbird seat." (He has the lead.)
"Hold the phone." (Manager on the way to the mound.)
"Running like a bunny with his tail on fire." (The player can run really fast.)
"The bases are F O B's" (Full of Brooklyn(s) Dodger players.)