Baseball Positions: Catcher Is the Best

By David J Weller

Catcher is the best position on the baseball field. Catchers are in command of the defense. They are the ones that work with the pitchers. Catchers keep runners from taking extra bases. They also have a keen understanding of the game.

Catchers are in command of the defense. They are the only players that have a view of the entire field in front of them. They can see all of the runners, all of the defenders, and the ball. This view helps the catcher direct where to throw the ball.

Catchers work with the pitchers. They are the ones that call the pitches. They decide what pitches have been working, which ones will work against this hitter, and what location the pitcher should aim for. Catchers keep the pitchers in the zone. When the pitcher needs a breather, the catcher goes out to the mound to talk to the pitcher. A good catcher can bring out the best in a pitcher.

Catchers keep runners from taking extra bases. They do this in many ways. First of all, on a base hit, the catcher calls for the fielder to throw to certain bases in order to keep runners from advancing. Once a runner is on, the catcher blocks bad pitches and keeps the ball in front of them, thus keeping the runner from taking another base. And finally, the catcher throws out runners attempting to steal bases. All of these things make it harder for the opponent to score.

Catchers have a very good understanding of the game. They know the different game situations and how to handle them. They know where the defense should play against different hitters in different situations. Catchers understand the strengths and weaknesses of their pitchers, their defense, and the other team's hitters. They use this understanding to create opportunities for their team. Because of this understanding, many catchers make good managers after their career is over.

So there you have it. Catcher is the best position to play. They are the captain of the defense. Catchers work with the pitchers to bring out the best in them. They keep runners from taking extra bases, which makes it harder for the other team to score. And they use their knowledge of the game to help their team win ball games.

If you are a catcher, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Yogi Berra, Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, Ted Simmons, Gary Carter, Tony Peña, Ivan Rodriguez, the Molina brothers (Bengie, Jose, and Yadier), Jonathan Lucroy, Buster Posey, and Joe Mauer.

Here are some former catchers who managed in the Major Leagues: Bruce Bochy, Bob Boone, Yogi Berra, Ned Yost, Joe Girardi, Mike Scioscia, Joe Torre, Mike Matheny, Joe Madden, and Jim Leyland. All four of the managers of the 2012 Championship series (Bochy, Girardi, Leyland, Matheny) were catchers.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.

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Tips To Becoming A Solid Catcher Behind The Plate

By Jim Bain

Over the years I have personally taught and watched 1000's of baseball catchers execute catching drills and it never ceases to amaze me the grit and toughness these players demonstrate on a daily basis, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

I've seen catchers who have a rifle for an arm and a rocket launcher for a bat, all the tools for making the team, who were told to pack their bags. Why? Simply stated... they couldn't handle a pitching staff. Here's a few tips on becoming a solid and valuable catcher behind the plate.

Building Trust, whether in a two pitcher or seventeen pitcher staff, is the single most important issue a catcher must master. Normally, just being on the same team, All-Star teams for example, is enough to build camaraderie between players, but a catcher, by nature of the position, has to be more than a team mate, he has to be a Trusted partner.

There's only one way to gain that Respect and Trust from your pitchers, it must be earned by performance, such as:

(1.) The catcher must sacrifice himself not letting any pitch get by him, although the pitcher may seem intent on bouncing every other ball off your shins or trying to hit the back stop with high throws;

(2.) The catcher must establish his reputation of always doing his homework which allows him to call the right pitch against any hitter's weakness;

(3.) The catcher demonstrates the ability to throw the runner, the pitcher just walked on 4 pitches, out at second trying to steal or behind him at first base if he wanders a bit too far off base.

This trust and confidence building comes through shared experiences and history together, and can not be rushed, but by being ahead of the game you can quicken the process, which is imperative. You can't wait till mid season to develop a relationship with your pitching staff, it'll be too late, for you and the team.

Simply put... Building your skills is a never ending process.

You can not expect your pitching staff to respect and trust you if you don't respect and trust your own skills, and there's a huge difference between arrogance and confidence. Arrogance has to proclaim itself... Confidence Silently excels by performing.

Unfortunately there's no magical pill or spell, the only method to build confidence is hard practice. Practice to the point you can't go on, then practice some more. Two Tips to help:

(1.) Always be available and eager for bullpen work. There is no better place to learn your trade and the individual abilities of your pitching staff than by catching them while in the bullpen. You learn the pitcher, he learns you and familiarity is built. Familiarity breeds trust, which breeds confidence.

The more reps you take as a catcher the better you become with the catcher's mitt, the better you learn to shift your weight to the ball without having to think, the more the protective equipment becomes a second skin.

(2.) If there are no pitchers to catch, or if it's an off day, go to the batting cage and catch the pitching machines. So they're called batting cages, does that mean you can only hit the balls, you can't catch them as well.

Always wear your entire compliment of protective gear, not only for safety but to acquire the feeling of the equipment being natural and unrestrictive. I may keep repeating that, but a catcher uncomfortable in his equipment can not perform. Period.

Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player and member of "Baseball Coaches of America" shares his advice on baseball coaching baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com

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Becoming A Great Catcher

By Jim Bain

In order to transform from a Good Catcher to a Great Catcher, a player must have the internal fire inside to drive him to practice 8+ hours a day, day after day. He must have the realization that he'll never know it all and he'll never stop learning. With that in mind, let's look at some catcher skill drills.

The prerequisite for these drills is the ability, or the coaches' ability to development practical usage of racquetball skills, because the use of that little blue ball and small racquet will be one of your greatest teaching tools.

(1.) The ball is relatively soft reducing chances of player injury...

(2.) The velocity of the ball can be regulated from slow to extremely fast...

(3.) The ball reaches heights unattainable by throwing or tossing.

In order for a Catcher to develop Soft Hands, which are critical for holding onto foul tips and quick ball transfer for throwing, it's best to begin at the beginning... with the Bare Hands.

For this Bare Handed catching drill, the Catcher will assume his position behind the plate, preferably wearing his mask, but using no catcher mitt, while the Coach positions himself @ 30' to 40' in front of the catcher, in line between the plate and pitching rubber.

The Coach then hits line drives, simulating pitches, to the catcher who will catch them bare handed, using one or two hands and a hitting glove if desired. For real time action, have the catcher assume his normal receiving position, throwing hand behind his back or tucked into his shoe, then catch the ball with 2 hands.

The Coach can vary speeds as he desires, starting slow and working up to very fast. (It's a good idea to perform this drill inside or with the aid of a backstop, as Coaches have a tendency to skyrocket a ball every now and then.)

The second variation of this drill, which uses the identical tools, is the foul pop up drill.

(1.) It's important the catcher be in his catching stance in order to become accustomed to coming out of it backwards...

(2.) The catcher must use his face mask as he must learn to remove and discard it properly.

The catcher, assumes his position, the coach while standing to the side and slightly forward of the plate, within the line of sight of the catcher, will hit pop flies straight up into the air.

The catcher will have to locate the fly ball, orientate himself correctly in order to make the catch, which is bare handed, then discard his mask in the proper direction.

By using the racquet ball the coach can hit much higher fly balls than attempting to throw them. I'd also recommend using all of my catchers while performing this drill to curb fatigue.

There's always something to learn, a skill to refine, if there wasn't there wouldn't be catching coaches for major league catchers. They'd already know everything there was to learn.
 

Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player and member of "Baseball Coaches of America" shares his advice on baseball coaching baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com
 

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How to Coach Youth Catchers

By Jim Bain   

From what I've witnessed through my years of coaching, is in the initial years of baseball, the catcher is chosen because he's the scrappiest player on the team, or by him volunteering.

For all practical purposes, at that age, those are as good a measuring stick as any other, because there are no other developed skills on which to base a decision, except desire. Catching is probably the most skill difficult, physically strenuous and mental demanding position on the field, therefore get it out of mind if you think you can train another Molina in a year or two.

Coaching a youth catcher Must be limited to the very basic skills required to be a catcher without getting injured. We'll begin with the protective equipment.

1. Sizing a catcher's protective equipment. Unfortunately catching equipment is somewhat expensive, even at the younger ages and sizes, but that's the nature of the beast. If you're very lucky the "Wanna be catcher" will have his own equipment, or the league provided gear will fit.

A. Beginning with the skull cap or helmet, insure it fits adequately snug as you can't have it moving around on the player's head through normal action. This is not only very annoying for the player, but a recipe for disaster because it's not properly protecting the head for which it's designed.

B. The Face Mask, which is adjustable, must be tightly strapped to the helmet or skull cap, insuring it doesn't slide around on its own obstructing the player's vision. Be sure the protective bars of the mask are not in the line of sight of the player, either move the mask up or down or acquire a different type of mask.

C. The chest protector comes in many different styles, designs and material and as with most things in life, the more expensive the better quality. Your task as a coach is to insure the chest protector is properly fitted and is in good shape with no broken straps or missing padding.

D. Shin guards, similar to chest protectors come in many different styles. Insure the shin guards properly fit, bends in joints where they're suppose to, no broken straps or missing ringlets, and be sure to teach the proper method of putting the guards on, hooks to the outside of the legs to avoid them from hooking to one another.

2. Now that your player is reasonably protected gear wise, let's teach him how to catch safely.

A. Catchers should always be taught to squat on their haunches when catching, as some youngsters will drop to their knees, exposing their thighs to injury, when they become fatigued. The coach must monitor and correct this as bad habits quickly develop, but are hard to correct.

B. A catcher must be taught to always protect his bare hand. Two distinct methods of teaching this are, always hold the bare hand Behind the catcher's mitt, or tuck their thumb into their shoe while creating a fist. Either method will keep the bare hand (throwing hand) out of immediate danger.

C. Teach the proper distance a catcher should maintain between he and the batter and the tendency to stand up or raise while too close or when the batter may be swinging, either in play or practice.
Teaching a player wanting to be a catcher, the basic safety principles of catching is the coach's first job. Besides wanting our players injury free, one bad experience could wreck a potentially great catcher's career behind he plate, either physically, but more than likely mentally.

Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on baseball coaching baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com

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Catcher's Gear - Finding the Best Fit

By S. Kemmerling   

With so many options on the market today, how do you find the best catcher's gear? Many things go into this selection, the level of baseball the catcher is playing is a good start, next how committed are they to staying with the game since there is quite a price range for catcher's gear and what are the rules regarding face masks in the league they are playing in? The chest guard will come in all colors and sizes and range of thickness in the padding. Some offer a lining that promotes air circulation as well. While a specific color may be cool or fun, it is the least important in the decision-making process. The best place to start is deciding on the appropriate size needed. Take a good measurement on the distance between the collar-bone and the hip bone. It is important to remember you will be in a squatting position most of the time and comfort is #1 on your list. Range of motion for a good catcher is an absolute must. After you have the correct measurement, then you can look at the features different manufacturers offer: memory foam, adjustable shoulder pads and removable groin protector. And last if you can find the specifications you need in your favorite color, go for it.

When choosing a face mask, you need to know the specifications your league has for a catcher's face mask. Most baseball leagues require a one piece face mask (hockey style). You don't want to spend $50 to $60 on a mask you can't use in the end. Another thing to keep in mind is that the mask will be thrown off during a game many, many times. A good fit is a must.

Finally you have your leg guards. Some catchers use knee savers, some chose not to. The guards are very important; you will stop a lot of wild pitches with your legs. Along with the hard front cover, there is a padded lining in the shin guard that should from the knee cap to the top of your ankle. You will want to make sure that the ankles are very well protected. In the end your cost for a complete set of catcher's gear will range anywhere from $150 to $350. Youth sets can be found for a little less. Some of the big chain stores will offer sets for even less but they may be harder to get a good fit from.

In addition to all the above remember you will need a catcher's mitt.

S. Kemmerling is owner of My Baseball Usa, I am a baseball fan of several teams in the middle Michigan Area, Mt Pleasant High School Baseball, Central Michigan University Baseball, The Great Lakes Loons and The Detroit Tigers. Stop by our store to find quality baseball gear. You can find us at http://www.mybaseballusa.com

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Catching Tips: Throwing Down To Second Base

Here is a great video that shows Yankees catching prospect Austin Romine throwing down to second base. It shows it in slow motion as well. For you young catchers pay close attention to his footwork on the third throwdown. Notice how he get in balanced receiving position so he is ready to pop and throw. His footwork looks great as he gains ground towards the base through the throw. Watch...



Coach Bob

Learning the Proper Receiving Position For a Baseball Catcher

So many times, the catcher is often the most abused position on the play field. I can't begin to tell you the number of coaches I've met that don't really understand what's required for a good catcher. They simply take the fat kid on the team who they don't know what to do with and stick him behind the plate. Then, after he's given up the 10th run of the game because he's let ball after ball get by him, he hangs his head in shame and frustration. This is no way to run a ball club or treat your players.

Proper catching starts with a fundamental concept called receiving. Believe it or not, catcher's don't catch, they receive. I like to use this term instead because it enforces the fact that catching the ball is only part of the process. They have to catch the ball, make the ball look like a strike (although not deceptively), present the ball to the umpire for inspection and always be ready to make the next out.

Proper receiving technique starts at the feet. The feet should be shoulder width apart with toes turned towards 1st and 3rd base. Once the feet are properly placed, the catcher should squat directly down pushing the knees out in front of them. If done properly, the entire base of the foot will remain in contact with the ground (or, at the very least, the complete insteps). I always explain to my catchers that you don't hit on the balls of your feet so why do you catch on the balls of your feet.

Once the catcher is in a full squat, the glove side arm should be fully extended and brought back just a bit so there is the tiniest bend in the elbow. The glove side thumb should be pointed to the three o'clock position and the fingers towards the sky. The whole hand should be held at about the knees of the batter and the catcher should be far enough away from the batter so they can't touch them with their glove. If they can, they need to move further back in the catcher's box.

Proper receiving mechanics will give your new catchers a great foundation on which to build their form. Once they (and the coach) understand this, their catching game will start to improve tremendously.

Steve has been writing articles for 4 years now on a variety of subjects. You can visit Steve's latest website at http://www.nuvi360.com to find some great information on the Garmin Nuvi 360.

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Why I Love Coaching Catchers

By T J Andersen

Are you buying youth catchers gear just because your young baseball or softball player wants some new catchers equipment? Here's the attitude from a coach, someone who has been around the professional baseball catchers and the beginners alike. Make sure of why you are making a new purchase.

If you have a young man playing the position of catcher, you have a challenge on your hands. I can't speak much for softball catchers, but I have been a baseball catcher and I have coached the position for several years. The young kids are my favorite players because they just don't know what they want to be when they grow up.

Many of these young players want to play the position of catcher, but what I find incredibly interesting is why they really want to be a catcher. What makes them want to sweat behind the chest protector? Why do they want to don shin guards and the rest of the catchers gear? Nobody wants to suit up every day during the season and certainly nobody wants to work as hard as the position demands.

Why then do kids want to be a catcher?

I was a catcher all my life and I have been fortunate to have made my living playing baseball. I do not think I wanted to be a catcher. I mean that is not how I started, but when thrown into that role, I just found a home. i started to shine, but more important I became me. My role and all catchers position roles require leadership and when most kids want to hide behind the catchers gear, some have the burning desire to be leaders. Does your young baseball want to be a leader or is he just wanting to hide behind the catchers gear?

Many players start out hiding. The chest protector offers some sanctuary. The catchers mask can be a good resort, but add a catchers helmet and you have a full time tenant. Watch for the signs and work with the players when they are young. You may discover a gem among all the impostors and you may see that hiding may just turn into a temporary place to find themselves until a more opportune situation presents itself.

One issue with youth sports and catchers gear is the equipment. I know it is a pain and I also realize it is expensive, but pay attention to the fit. Make sure your catcher can do the job you require and is not out for a swim with catchers gear that has been handed down. Get the adjustments right so the chances of success are entirely reliant on the player and nor subject to your lack of attention as a coach and a parent.

I for one would never ask for the job of coaching the position of catcher. The #2 mark on the scorecard must do something to young men in that position. Maybe they want to be #1 so bad that they are volatile and ferocious and stubborn and just plain tough kids. Come to think of it, are not these all the traits we need as leaders, including those for all baseball catchers?

TJ writes about what interests him and what he is passionate about. Visit his website at http://youthcatchersgear.org/catchers-equipment/ which helps people find the best catchers equipment and discusses catchers and kids playing baseball today.

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Catching Basics - Video

Little League.. What Are You Thinking?

I was reading through the 2008 changes to Little Leagues rules and found this curious note:

“A pitcher who delivers one or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.”

Can you believe this applies to ages 7 – 18? Are they serious? So if a 10 year old pitches to one batter and throws 5 pitches in the first inning he’s done as a catcher that day. Doesn’t this limit kids from becoming skilled at both pitching and catching?

So is it OK to pitch 5 innings, throw 80 pitchers then catch the entire game the next day… this rule allows this.

There are so many problems with this rule I can’t begin to write them.

I have to say this is one of the most absurd policies I have ever seen in youth sports. I hope LLB realizes it and retracts the rule. If my son was a pitcher/catcher playing in Little League I would be looking for a Cal Ripken league close by.

Now an acceptable rule would be if a player pitchers more than lets say 3 innings and throws more that X amount of pitches (fill in the X based on what’s appropriate for that age) he/she cannot catch the remainder of the game… and requires appropriate rest before pitching again.

Sometimes LLB just doesn’t get it.

Coach Bob

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