Posted by jackie | Posted in Baseball, Recreation | Posted on 20-02-2012
Tags: baseball, baseball catcher, baseball field, best position
What's 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 has got the best seat in the stadium. He has his back to nobody, and is concerned in each 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 continually tests the mind. Catchers must be tricky and not be terrified. They're going to get hit by foul balls, and must block pitches in the mud. A normal game displays bruises and moments of pain and I would be lying if I said the baseball does not hurt. Yet, the discomfort does go. 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 determining the strengths and weaknesses of the current pitcher. The catcher must also be thinking for the other players, and continue reminding them of their duties such as outs, bases to cover, and who covers them, where to go on a bunt, etc. The coaching 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 need. With experience the leadership skills will grow.
Baseball Catcher Evolution over the Years
The catchers ' position has changed over the years. At one time catchers were usually heavier and slower. That has changed. Today Major league catchers are anywhere between 5'9" and 6'6". At 6'4", I was a tall catcher, though not the tallest. There is not just one body style for a catcher.
Catching talents and strategy is going to get better with time and practice. Technique is exceedingly important, not only to play the position, but to play it safely also. We'll talk more about abilities and method in the future blogs.
Sure, virtually anyone can catch balls from a pitcher, but to do it well 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 way more like an offensive lineman in soccer. They're only spotted when they screw up. I was told at a tender age that if nobody spotted you behind the plate it meant you probably had an excellent game. If the fans knew your face too well , you were potentially at the backstop too much, picking up balls that got passed you.
Therefore you need to be a catcher? Do you have the willingness? Are you willing to be thinking all of the time? Are you willing to enhance your talents and systems? If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you've got a excellent start towards having the best seat in the house. That seat right behind home plate.
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 help improve their skills.
Looking forward to your comments...






