Catching

mtownfan,
Your "career" is just starting, so I wouldn't worry about the change in position. Many players in high school, college and at the pro level change positions for various reasons. Getting to the next level requires hard work, dedication and some talent, no matter what position you play. If the position interests you, I would jump on it. Good luck to you.

You have to want to play the position you play!!!

You have to have a passion for it

Dont forget that

I knew we were going to have a special year but I also knew that we were without a catcher. What we do is very complicated and so, I had to have my toughest and smartest baseball player be my catcher. Trouble was, he was an outfielder. I went to him and asked him to give of himself for the sake of the team. His answer was, "Coach I'll do anything to help the team." He did so knowing it could cost him a college scholarship. We won our Conference as well as regional and sectional titles. The sectional title is the first in school history. We lost in the super sectional game in extra innings. I truly believe that had this kid not done what was asked of him, we might not have even won conference. Now, mtownfan, what are you made of if your coach ask?

Something that I think you are overlooking is the faith that your coach is putting in you. As Coach Morgan from the University of Indiana, often states, "The Catcher is the Carbeurator of the Team."

mtownfan,
Should you start catching? That’s up to you and your coach. Can you start this late in your career? Absolutley! My son didn’t start catching until he entered high school. He was a pitcher/third baseman like you. Like your team, his high school team needed a catcher so he was put behind the plate. He went on to catch in college and is now catching in the minors.

Thanks to everyone! I think I can be a good catcher because I am baseball smart, I have a good arm, and quick reflexes. The only problem is that I flinch on the swing. Does this just take time to get used to? I will probably try catching in fall legion and see how it goes.

You are old enough to really do this right.

Learn! Read, observe great catchers, ask questions.

Learn about pitch calling (strategy, selection, reading the batter), receiving, blocking, footwork, etc.

Then get in plenty of reps.

Do these things and you will soon find your potential at the position.

Good luck.

Are you catching for your summer team?

My son has a similar problem, except that it has to do with his summer team.

He just started catching on a part time basis 2 years ago at 14 years old. He pitches and I have been one of those that frowned upon him doing both.

He did not catch a inning or even work out at catcher all HS season. He played outfield and pitched. The varsity catcher will be a 3 year starter next year and was league MVP this past season as a junior.

My son's travel team (16 and under)wants him to catch for them. He does love to catch, but is this a good thing or not? Should he concentrate on improving the skills he will be using during the HS season or go in a opposite direction and catch? The F/S league MVP from his school is also a catcher. So even when he is a senior, he will probably not catch.

No I'm not catching on my summer because we have a lot of catchers at my school just none of them are that good.

mtownfan

If you say the catchers are not good on your HS team and you are not catching during the summer how do you expect to learn the position much less beat out the others you claim are no good?

Good question. Well our main catcher is the coaches son, but he isn't throwing anyone out. I think if I work hard in the fall I can do it, since fall ball is where I learned pitching.

Go for it. From my observations, there is a dearth of truly good, well rounded catchers in HS. You have much work & learning to do, but those who are willing to do so enjoy an advantage.

Spend the summer in learning & drills. Volunteer to catch bullpens for pitchers, either at or away from the regular practices. Get what gametime you can. Be sure to get a catching spot this fall where you can get some innings in.