Catch in the spring, pitch in the summer and fall

My son catches and pitches. As long as he has a good arm care program and you manage the workload properly there should be no issues. I've never had a concern about an injury blocking baseballs. Sure, might catch a good bruise here or there, but nothing long term. I wouldn't let fear of an injury prevent him from playing a certain position. If there is fear of blocking or collisions then catching probably isn't a good spot for him. It will always be in the back of his/your mind.

If he wants to pitch and he would be the #2, it can't hurt to let the coach know he pitched a lot in the summer and fall and had great success. He can easily pitch and be available as an emergency/backup catcher. I'm no HS coach, but I certainly wouldn't let my second best pitcher sit the bench all season as a backup catcher.

He's currently the backup. Next season when he's the #2 pitcher he would be the starting catcher. He's not afraid of blocking or collisions, he's just aware that there's some risk there. I think one of his greater fears is how this break from the bump would affect his pitching. I'm a bit concerned about the wear on his knees although he has done great work in the weight room. I greatly appreciate the reply. Thanks

My middle son discussed a similar situation back when he played high school and travel baseball.   Frankly, we avoided the pitcher/catcher situation as best we could for as long as we could.   Through his older brother we were keenly aware of the best arm care practices, and what to do and not do.   He had the added benefit of having a very good left handed bat in the lineup.   So, he decided he'd rather pitch/DH or play first base (on none pitching days) to best protect his arm in high school (spring).   On his travel team (summer and fall) he was a PO/DH.

Looking back, this was a great decision for him.   Your mileage may vary.   

My son is getting some time as a DH this season so his bat may get him in the game next spring as a Junior even though he's not left handed. Thanks for the perspective, I appreciate it.

How big is the difference between your son and the next catcher? If there is a huge defensive drop off I can see why the coach would want to leave him behind the plate. If the other kid is decent I would want him getting some time on the mound.

The other kid they've tried sometimes has trouble holding onto fastballs thrown right down the middle. The JV catcher isn't much better. If I was the coach I would probably trade my #2 pitcher in for a good catcher. The dropoff from him at pitcher to the next best arm isn't nearly as great as it is at the catcher position.

I would beware of pitching AND catching.  It can cause havoc to your arm.  When my son was a freshman on varsity, he was the starting catcher.  They would often have him catch 5 innings and then go in and pitch the last 2 innings as the closer.  By his sophomore year, he was having shoulder pain.  After an MRI, X-rays and a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon he was diagnosed with a labral tear.  He was fortunate.  Surgery wasn't needed, but he did have to have 6 straight weeks of ZERO throwing and then had to ease back into it.  He lucked out that the weather sucks in the midwest and so his season was delayed anyway.  The PT told him he had to make a choice and couldn't do both anymore.  He is now the starting catcher on his DI team.  Luckily, his coach knew he was a better asset behind the plate and so we didn't have to deal with it anymore. 

We had a pitcher in HS who rarely pitched, mostly caught. That was because he was the best catcher, but also there were no catchers who could catch him, he threw too hard.  He pitched in the summer, in college and then was drafted, so not pitching in HS didn't hurt him.