What is the best position on the baseball field ? I am going to give you a hint. He's the sole player that sees the whole field. Some say he's got the best seat in the stadium. He has his back to no one, and is concerned in every pitch. That's right the catcher.
What does it take to become A Baseball Catcher?
So what does it take to become a catcher? Eagerness. Catcher is a really demanding position on the body and ceaselessly tests the mind. Catchers must be tricky and not be scared. They will get hit by foul balls, and must block pitches in the dirt. A standard game displays bruises and moments of agony and I might be lying if I were to claim the baseball doesn't hurt. Yet, the pain does depart. Yes, there should be a willingness to be a catcher.
The baseball catcher should be the thinker on the field. Like a chess game, the catcher must be thinking many pitches ahead. They must then call the pitches after deciding the strengths and weaknesses of the prevailing pitcher. Other players rely on the catcher to help them think, and continue reminding them of their duties like outs, bases to cover, and who covers them, where to go on a bunt, for example. The training staff can't be on the field, so their thinking is put upon the catcher's shoulders. This position needs qualities of leadership. This isn't a choice for a catcher; it's a requirement. With experience the leadership skills will grow.
Baseball Catcher Evolution over time
The catchers ' position has changed over the years. At one point catchers were normally heavier and slower. That has changed. Today Top catchers are anywhere between 5'9" and 6'6". At 6'4", I was a tall catcher, but not the tallest. There is not just one body style for a catcher.
Catching talents and technique is going to get better with time and practice. System is very important, not only to play the position, but to play it safely too. We'll talk more about talents and method in future blogs.
Sure, nearly any person can catch balls from a pitcher, but to do it competently is what real catching is all about. The catcher must always put the pitcher and the team before himself. Catchers seldom get the recognition that goes with other positions. Catchers are more like an offensive lineman in soccer. They're only spotted when they screw up. I was told at a young age that if nobody spotted you behind the plate it meant you most likely had a fun game. If the fans knew your face too well , you were potentially at the backstop too much, picking up balls that got passed you.
Hence you want to be a catcher? Do you have the eagerness? Are you content to be thinking all of the time? Are you prepared to boost your abilities and systems? If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you've a great start towards having the best seat in the house. That seat right behind home plate.
What does it take to become A Baseball Catcher?
So what does it take to become a catcher? Eagerness. Catcher is a really demanding position on the body and ceaselessly tests the mind. Catchers must be tricky and not be scared. They will get hit by foul balls, and must block pitches in the dirt. A standard game displays bruises and moments of agony and I might be lying if I were to claim the baseball doesn't hurt. Yet, the pain does depart. Yes, there should be a willingness to be a catcher.
The baseball catcher should be the thinker on the field. Like a chess game, the catcher must be thinking many pitches ahead. They must then call the pitches after deciding the strengths and weaknesses of the prevailing pitcher. Other players rely on the catcher to help them think, and continue reminding them of their duties like outs, bases to cover, and who covers them, where to go on a bunt, for example. The training staff can't be on the field, so their thinking is put upon the catcher's shoulders. This position needs qualities of leadership. This isn't a choice for a catcher; it's a requirement. With experience the leadership skills will grow.
Baseball Catcher Evolution over time
The catchers ' position has changed over the years. At one point catchers were normally heavier and slower. That has changed. Today Top catchers are anywhere between 5'9" and 6'6". At 6'4", I was a tall catcher, but not the tallest. There is not just one body style for a catcher.
Catching talents and technique is going to get better with time and practice. System is very important, not only to play the position, but to play it safely too. We'll talk more about talents and method in future blogs.
Sure, nearly any person can catch balls from a pitcher, but to do it competently is what real catching is all about. The catcher must always put the pitcher and the team before himself. Catchers seldom get the recognition that goes with other positions. Catchers are more like an offensive lineman in soccer. They're only spotted when they screw up. I was told at a young age that if nobody spotted you behind the plate it meant you most likely had a fun game. If the fans knew your face too well , you were potentially at the backstop too much, picking up balls that got passed you.
Hence you want to be a catcher? Do you have the eagerness? Are you content to be thinking all of the time? Are you prepared to boost your abilities and systems? If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you've a great start towards having the best seat in the house. That seat right behind home plate.
About the Author:
Kyle Fowler is a baseball coach who uses baseball drills and baseball video tutorials to coach his team. He then watches, analyzes, and sits down with each team member to assist in improving their skills.
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