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Being a catcher?

S shazzamMember
My son has played catcher for 9 years. He played every summer on the all star team and made his varsity team as a freshman. We have heard that being a catcher makes him more marketable for recruiting as well as been told that for every catcher like my son here in Nevada there are 10 of them in calif. and that a chance to play baseball on a D1 team is slim for Nevada players.

Of course his dream is to go pro-- we have always encouraged him to follow his dream but are not sure how to help him get there. He does have a knowledgeable coach who did coach at a D1 college but he has 3 small children and a wife which makes it hard to get much help from him. He wants to help the players but truthfully he is overcommited.

Last summer my son had minor knee surgery, took the summer and fall off to rehab. This season his knees ache which is the result of getting back into the position and catching for so many years. He does play in the outfield and we are wondering if he should make the switch, give up catching, play the outfield and still be a prospect.

Thanks in advance for your advice!
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FungoFungoHighly Regarded and Beloved Old Timer
quote:
We have heard that being a catcher makes him more marketable for recruiting as well as been told that for every catcher like my son here in Nevada there are 10 of them in calif. and that a chance to play baseball on a D1 team is slim for Nevada players

Don't listen to all the rumors! Just being a catcher alone doesn't opens more doors than being an outfielder. See, in your son's case you are even starting to believe that being an outfielder may open more doors for him. Read what you are saying. Talent is what opens doors. It is often stated that there are less than an adequate supply of talented catches so yes the competition would be less for the catcher and/or the college or the pro team may overlook some flaws at the catching position but I wouldn’t count on it. He needs to play where he’s best suited and where he wants to play. If it were my son I think I would take him to a showcase and have him evaluated at both positions and get a “professional” evaluation and opinion.
Good Luck,
Fungo
06catcherdad06catcherdad1,000+ posts
First of all, WELCOME to the High School Baseball Web! Google did you a favor when this site came up. It is an excellent resource for every parent and their player who hopes to get to the next level, whatever level that might be.

You are getting very good advice from two of the most knowledgeable posters who lurk on these pages. Give what they say serious consideration.

As for your son's knees hurting, you might ask his ortho or therapist about the advisability of him taking Glucosamine products. Many of us who are more advanced in years take it regularly, and it makes a substantial difference in how we go through our day. There is a chance it might help his joints too, but you should consult with his doc or therapist to see what they think before trying it.

Best of luck to your son, and remind him that catchers really are special players.
Last edited by 06catcherdad
S shazzamMember
Thank you for your quick responses. I am so glad I stumbled across this website, I just wish I had years ago! I will pass this information on to my son. I will also contact his ortho about glucosamine as I think this knee pain is overshadowing his past love to catch. I do have a few more questions:

What showcases should we look at and can we send our son on our own or does his high school coach need to set him up?

My son's high school is going to play in a Cal State Fullerton Tournament in April will "professionals" be there to evaluate him?

What is your advice on this situation. Currently my son's high school team is lacking catchers. We have 2 pitchers who throw in the low 90's -- He is torn with wanting to play in the outfield and doing what is best for the team. Part of him says just stay behind the plate and the other part of him says save your knees.

Thank you again for your time, we feel so isolated here in Northern Nevada! HAHA
A Andrew100+ posts
As far as the situation between outfield and catching, I would say you should first see if he is able to catch without chance of serious, potentental career-ending injuries. Once you have a professional opinion, I would talk with your son and let him make the decision with his coach.

I wish you and your son best of luck for the upcoming season.
PopTimePopTime500+ posts
Knees are a serious thing. It's great (?) these days that a young pitcher can have Tommy John surgery and rebound nicely after a fairly long and arduous rehab, maybe even be stronger than before, but what does the future hold for a young catcher already with a knee surgery on his resume? If he's big and can mash I'd say 1B, maybe 3B. I don't think his knees are going to feel any better in the future if he continues catching. The outfield, especially CF places some huge demands on knees at times. Plus CF's are generally very fast runners, probably not a position for an ex-catcher. Corner outfield or corner infield, that's what I think you're looking at. I am NOT a doctor, and may be full of baloney on this, just my observation.

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