got into a discussion with a friend and for some reason he thinks otherwise.I can tell you from experience it is,why would someone even think otherwise?
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You mean the toughest position to play, don't you. It can be considered as such. I caught for many years and now teach a great deal of catchers. The catcher needs to be smart, aware and aggressive. He should learn to take charge of most everything on the field. Some young people will tell you that their respective position is the hardest. If they are realist's, they won't want to put the gear on and catch a hard thrower with nasty stuff any time soon. As catcher you are in every play in the game, you can't fall asleep. Here in florida, that could mean catching a summer afternoon game in 95 degree heat that lasts 2.5-3 hours. Some kids catch doubleheaders when teams are lacking a back up. Keep at it, a hard working young catcher is always my favorite player.
Coachric
Coachric
it is definately between pitching and catching both can hurt you in the long run, but i might say catching because catchers have to play every day.
BUT HOWEVER the hardest jposition to learn to play is definately pitcher, because the simple fact that it requires the most complex mechanics and it takes a while to learn.
BUT HOWEVER the hardest jposition to learn to play is definately pitcher, because the simple fact that it requires the most complex mechanics and it takes a while to learn.
I personally think being a dad is the toughest. 
The most physically demanding position on the baseball field is catching...and the toughest. The toughest position on the field to learn is catching because you have to know what everyone else is doing before they do it. Catchers direct the game. Catchers have to understand hitters and pitchers. They are the pitchers confidence builders and the controller of the running game. They tell the coach how their pitcher is doing. My son was a pitcher and a catcher. When my son pitched he would have to run after the game to help his arm recover. When he caught he was unable to run. As a pitcher they put ice his arm. As a catcher they put pins in his finger. As a pitcher when he did poorly he was pulled off the mound and allowed to sit on the bench and listen to his Ipod. When he did poorly as a catcher he was yelled at. When he pitched and a ball happened to get by him the second baseman would field it and carry it back to him. When he was catching and a ball got by him he got yelled at. When he pitched and a runner stole on him the catcher was charged with the stolen base. When he caught and the pitcher allowed a runner to steal he was charged with the stolen base. My son was asked to pitch his sophomore year of college and was given one week to get ready. My son left home today to get ready to catch and spring training is two months away. He hopes he’s ready.
Every position on the field is tough and important. Everyone is a member of the team. But catching is .... Well, ... Unless you’re a catcher or the parent of a catcher it’s hard to understand.
Fungo
The most physically demanding position on the baseball field is catching...and the toughest. The toughest position on the field to learn is catching because you have to know what everyone else is doing before they do it. Catchers direct the game. Catchers have to understand hitters and pitchers. They are the pitchers confidence builders and the controller of the running game. They tell the coach how their pitcher is doing. My son was a pitcher and a catcher. When my son pitched he would have to run after the game to help his arm recover. When he caught he was unable to run. As a pitcher they put ice his arm. As a catcher they put pins in his finger. As a pitcher when he did poorly he was pulled off the mound and allowed to sit on the bench and listen to his Ipod. When he did poorly as a catcher he was yelled at. When he pitched and a ball happened to get by him the second baseman would field it and carry it back to him. When he was catching and a ball got by him he got yelled at. When he pitched and a runner stole on him the catcher was charged with the stolen base. When he caught and the pitcher allowed a runner to steal he was charged with the stolen base. My son was asked to pitch his sophomore year of college and was given one week to get ready. My son left home today to get ready to catch and spring training is two months away. He hopes he’s ready.
Every position on the field is tough and important. Everyone is a member of the team. But catching is .... Well, ... Unless you’re a catcher or the parent of a catcher it’s hard to understand.
Fungo
Just from watching:
IMO - Catching seems to me to be a very difficult position to play - both skillwise and physically.
If you had to pick one - I would go with catching as the most difficult of all positions - all things considered.
IMO - Catching seems to me to be a very difficult position to play - both skillwise and physically.
If you had to pick one - I would go with catching as the most difficult of all positions - all things considered.
If somebody can say it better than Fungo just did, I want to read it.
fungo i 
about the catching part
They put the "C" in Catcher because you are the captain. And most likely your team win or lose on the play of catcher.
about the catching partThey put the "C" in Catcher because you are the captain. And most likely your team win or lose on the play of catcher.
Thanks Fungo, as the dad of a catcher, I couldn't have put it better myself. The only thing I might add is that you often know the catcher had a great game when no one in the stands (other than his parents) notices anything he did.
Folks it isn't even close. For so many reasons, most have been already listed here. The pressure plays that a catcher is counted on to make as routine are countless. The pure physical demands of the job, unless you have done it you will never really understand. The physical and mental toughness that this posistion requires in order to be good at it are one reason coaches never make a kid play this posistion unless they truly want to. Catchers have a special place in my heart and to most coaches I am sure. I respect every young man regardless of their talent level that gets behind that plate and gives it up for his team. They are special young men. And they make the difference plain and simple. Ask any coach that doesn't have a good one and a coach that does.
So well put Fungo and Coach May. A catcher and people who understand them always have a place in my heart.
Coachric
Coachric
Catching is the toughest position, depending on how you look at it.
However, it should be brought up that many times shortstops end up being catchers in pro ball. I don't ever remember a catcher who was converted to shortstop. Not sure if that means anything in this discussion.
However, it should be brought up that many times shortstops end up being catchers in pro ball. I don't ever remember a catcher who was converted to shortstop. Not sure if that means anything in this discussion.
You have to give catchers all the respect in the world. Especially the catcher on your team. Toughest position - hands down.
Then - when you are done handing out kudos - you have to steal every single base you can off the opposing catcher.
That is a very cool part of the game - IMO.
Then - when you are done handing out kudos - you have to steal every single base you can off the opposing catcher.
That is a very cool part of the game - IMO.
Amen, Amen! As a catcher, I had to laugh when I read Fungo's response...that is soo true!! I even had my mom come and read it. No doubt all positions are hard, but none are as exciting as catcher, especially after you have a great tag at home that leaves everyone cheering. But what I have also learned, is that behind every great catcher, is a great team who helps make him look good. Catchers Rule!!
One thing so many people who don't coach or catch fail to realize is the beating a catcher takes over the course of a season. A middle infielder might get up ended turning two once in a while, a pitcher might get drilled with a come-backer once or twice a season (scary when it happens, for sure) and a corner infielder or outfielder may have a rare collision, usually with a fence or wall. An infielder might occasionally get spiked on a slide into a base, BUT.....
Catchers, well they expect to get foul tips off arms, shoulders, chest (try one off your collarbone, even with a protector, IT HURTS)balls in the dirt, and you know where else. Foul tips off the mask that really ring a catcher's bell. Every game, a catcher takes the field knowing that he's likely to get dinged up, and he's expected to play through it without complaint or go find an easier position to play somewhere in fair territory.
My son has had his cup broken several times, has had the bars on his mask dented, has broken a finger, is bruised up most of the season.......and wouldn't trade catching for any other position on the field. They have to love it to do it well. What they get in return is the satisfaction of getting hitters out by working in conjunction with their pitchers, throwing out baserunners, making tags that can save a game, and the occasional rush of throwing out a runner at second, when they backed up first and recovered an overthrow. When they do that once, they never have to be told again about running to backup first on a grounder with nobody on base. They also get the satisfaction of learning more about the game and running a game than many of their teammates. A truly good catcher is every bit as important as a good pitcher, and some would say, harder to come by.
Catchers, well they expect to get foul tips off arms, shoulders, chest (try one off your collarbone, even with a protector, IT HURTS)balls in the dirt, and you know where else. Foul tips off the mask that really ring a catcher's bell. Every game, a catcher takes the field knowing that he's likely to get dinged up, and he's expected to play through it without complaint or go find an easier position to play somewhere in fair territory.
My son has had his cup broken several times, has had the bars on his mask dented, has broken a finger, is bruised up most of the season.......and wouldn't trade catching for any other position on the field. They have to love it to do it well. What they get in return is the satisfaction of getting hitters out by working in conjunction with their pitchers, throwing out baserunners, making tags that can save a game, and the occasional rush of throwing out a runner at second, when they backed up first and recovered an overthrow. When they do that once, they never have to be told again about running to backup first on a grounder with nobody on base. They also get the satisfaction of learning more about the game and running a game than many of their teammates. A truly good catcher is every bit as important as a good pitcher, and some would say, harder to come by.
All good stuff...............
Some great posts here. I particularly aplaud those of Fungo, Coach May, and 06CatcherDad.
Catching requires a set of skills unique to that position. Of course, that is true to every position on the field. However, with the arguable exception of the pitcher, only catching requires a heart for the position. You gotta want it. You do your job. ...hot, dirty, painful at times, and largely unnoticed. You rarely get the post-game intervue. That gig is usually reserved for the pitcher you made look good.
Over the course of a game, you take your share of foul balls while stroking both your pitcher's ego/confidence and the umpire's...uh...whatever it is umpires have. Over the course of a season, you nurse that one bruise that, mystically, is simply a ball magnet and never goes away. You check your own ego, giving everything up for the team, while maintaining the confident arrogance that NOBODY runs in YOUR yard. Ultimately, for those fortunate enough to call baseball a career, you can look forward to golf outings with the Ortho who replaced your knees.
So why do it? It comes down to heart. You live for the contact at the plate. You bask in that moment of collective gasp from the bleachers just before the umpire calls the base stealer out at second. You relish the chess game with the hitters whose subtle tendancies and weaknesses you have picked up through extra time in the film room. And you remember how it feels to receive strike three, game over, at the end of a particularly difficult and important game.
After the game, your uniform's probably the dirtiest. Your equipment bag is certainly the heaviest. Your aches and injuries catch up to you because only now can you allow yourself to acknowledge and tend to them. And although weary, you know that tomorrow's another game, and you're going to be ready to go again. ...because that's what your heart tells you to do.
Catching requires a set of skills unique to that position. Of course, that is true to every position on the field. However, with the arguable exception of the pitcher, only catching requires a heart for the position. You gotta want it. You do your job. ...hot, dirty, painful at times, and largely unnoticed. You rarely get the post-game intervue. That gig is usually reserved for the pitcher you made look good.
Over the course of a game, you take your share of foul balls while stroking both your pitcher's ego/confidence and the umpire's...uh...whatever it is umpires have. Over the course of a season, you nurse that one bruise that, mystically, is simply a ball magnet and never goes away. You check your own ego, giving everything up for the team, while maintaining the confident arrogance that NOBODY runs in YOUR yard. Ultimately, for those fortunate enough to call baseball a career, you can look forward to golf outings with the Ortho who replaced your knees.
So why do it? It comes down to heart. You live for the contact at the plate. You bask in that moment of collective gasp from the bleachers just before the umpire calls the base stealer out at second. You relish the chess game with the hitters whose subtle tendancies and weaknesses you have picked up through extra time in the film room. And you remember how it feels to receive strike three, game over, at the end of a particularly difficult and important game.
After the game, your uniform's probably the dirtiest. Your equipment bag is certainly the heaviest. Your aches and injuries catch up to you because only now can you allow yourself to acknowledge and tend to them. And although weary, you know that tomorrow's another game, and you're going to be ready to go again. ...because that's what your heart tells you to do.
I guess we all agree...
Jerry, couldn't think of any catchers that went on to play SS but Biggio and Surhoff have been around along time after stepping out from behind the plate.
Jerry, couldn't think of any catchers that went on to play SS but Biggio and Surhoff have been around along time after stepping out from behind the plate.
My youngest caught three games in 98 degree heat one day last summer in a tournament we won. After the second game, I asked him to sit and let someone else catch the last game. He said, "No way, it is the championship game!" He stayed hydrated and caught the last one.
Catchers are a special bunch.
Catchers are a special bunch.
I like this topic and don't want to sound like someone who disrespects that position. As a coach, I would work closer with the catcher than any other position. He was the coaches right hand.
I agree that the catcher is the most important player defensively (except for that day’s pitcher). Agree it is the toughest job in baseball. Agree that it’s the most dangerous (except for the pitcher ducking line drives). Agree that it takes a very special person who gets behind the plate. Agree that it is the most active of all positions with the most pressure (except for the pitcher). Agree it’s the most grueling position and agree it takes special qualities. Most important result or stat is how good the pitching staff ends up being. Agree it takes the most thinking. I also admire catchers the most.
Still, I have seen several shortstops who ended up being Major League catchers. I have never seen a catcher end up playing shortstop in the Major Leagues. Yes, I have seen them play most every other position except shortstop. Biggio obviously played 2B which is amazing, but not shortstop.
While catchers deserve any and all praise we can heap on them… There are many who might have the ability to catch at the highest level… There aren’t as many who can play shortstop at the highest level. There are many position players who are converted into catchers.
Like I said, don’t know if this means anything in this discussion, catching might be the toughest and maybe even most important position, but it takes much more ability to get to the Major Leagues as a shortstop! IMO of course!
I agree that the catcher is the most important player defensively (except for that day’s pitcher). Agree it is the toughest job in baseball. Agree that it’s the most dangerous (except for the pitcher ducking line drives). Agree that it takes a very special person who gets behind the plate. Agree that it is the most active of all positions with the most pressure (except for the pitcher). Agree it’s the most grueling position and agree it takes special qualities. Most important result or stat is how good the pitching staff ends up being. Agree it takes the most thinking. I also admire catchers the most.
Still, I have seen several shortstops who ended up being Major League catchers. I have never seen a catcher end up playing shortstop in the Major Leagues. Yes, I have seen them play most every other position except shortstop. Biggio obviously played 2B which is amazing, but not shortstop.
While catchers deserve any and all praise we can heap on them… There are many who might have the ability to catch at the highest level… There aren’t as many who can play shortstop at the highest level. There are many position players who are converted into catchers.
Like I said, don’t know if this means anything in this discussion, catching might be the toughest and maybe even most important position, but it takes much more ability to get to the Major Leagues as a shortstop! IMO of course!
PG:
Here's my take: I think you are right that the skills to make a major league shortstop are in shorter supply than those required to make a catcher. The necessary combination of speed, fielding ability, quickness and arm strength is pretty rare.
And at least a couple of those skills typically aren't what you'd expect to find in a catcher, so I think that explains why you don't see any catchers converting to SS (at least at high levels.)
So, I'd agree that there are more players who have the physical skills to play catcher than shortstop.
But catching I think is still the "hardest" in the sense of all the things you and others mention.
And then there's desire. I think it is safe to say there are more players who have the desire to play SS than catcher!
Here's my take: I think you are right that the skills to make a major league shortstop are in shorter supply than those required to make a catcher. The necessary combination of speed, fielding ability, quickness and arm strength is pretty rare.
And at least a couple of those skills typically aren't what you'd expect to find in a catcher, so I think that explains why you don't see any catchers converting to SS (at least at high levels.)
So, I'd agree that there are more players who have the physical skills to play catcher than shortstop.
But catching I think is still the "hardest" in the sense of all the things you and others mention.
And then there's desire. I think it is safe to say there are more players who have the desire to play SS than catcher!
I think what you're saying PG, and most of us would agree, that shortshops are usually the best athlete's on the team, more flexbility and agility. They often show up at other positions. These days they seem to hit well also. When your catching isn't strong, and you have a kid that learns easily and is athletic and a leader, I'm sure he would make a great catcher. Some of these SS's would often be too good in high school and college to be behind the plate, they were anchoring the infield. Good points all. My heart belongs to catchers.
Coachric
Coachric
I have always wondered why a guy would want to catch. I have seenseveral cxatchers take a full shot blocking home plate and end up in the hospital with a cocussion.
They also make a huge difference in a pitchers success. You have to be alert all the time even if you are exhausted.
Learning to shift the body to block pitches instead of throwing the glove out. Catching those straight up pop ups with your kisser in the fence. Catchers are certifiably nuts !!
The only infielder I can think of was Joey Votto (Reds) who was a 3B who became a catcher.
They also make a huge difference in a pitchers success. You have to be alert all the time even if you are exhausted.
Learning to shift the body to block pitches instead of throwing the glove out. Catching those straight up pop ups with your kisser in the fence. Catchers are certifiably nuts !!
The only infielder I can think of was Joey Votto (Reds) who was a 3B who became a catcher.
My youngest is a catcher. We fondly refer to him as a combination of fearless and brainless.
Oh my goodness....in my heart this thread will be known as a "Golden Thread". As the mother of a catcher I truly appreciate all the insight and opinions regarding the catcher's role being shared here. Fungo...yet again, you've nailed it! We've always thought the catcher's position and role is truly under appreciated due to the fact that the catcher isn't really OBVIOUS on the field to most casual observers....unless you have a really bad one. THEN they stick out like a sore thumb. 
How about them eeers!
My son was a catcher. He loved it. Signed at a D-1 as a catcher. Was drafted as a pitcher and says that pitching is a million times easier than catching mentally and physically.
Pitchers are pampered and catchers are hammered.
PG, in my opinion catchers (in general) are just really tough shortstops that can't run.
My son was a catcher. He loved it. Signed at a D-1 as a catcher. Was drafted as a pitcher and says that pitching is a million times easier than catching mentally and physically.
Pitchers are pampered and catchers are hammered.
PG, in my opinion catchers (in general) are just really tough shortstops that can't run.
My son has caught since birth and I believe with my heart and soul that he would be an all-star major league shortstop if the ball was hit right at him every time. He's not slow, he just runs in the same place for too long. It's that vastly overrated "range" thing that keeps him behind the plate.
I certainly have to agree with all those who have posted...catching is the most physically demanding position on the field. There have been days when my son has caught back to back games in 100 degree, south Texas humidity. There have been days when his knees ache so bad it looks like he is 66 instead of 16. But to see his face when that runner gets rung up at 2nd! he originally started catching because he was bored standing around at the other positions while the catcher and pitcher threw the ball around. Now, he truly lives it. To see him work on his positioning and footwork while watching tv, spending long hours taking balls off the chest and face so he will be better at blocking, and also working on his hitting, field leadership and all the other skills necessary to be a good ballplayer, it truly makes a daddy proud! We talk often about how valuable a great dominating pitcher is, but without someone working his tail off behind the plate, what does it matter!
PG - while it may be more difficult to make it as a major leaguer as a SS, I think the original poster's thought was just that catching was the "hardest" position to play. And most of the posters comments back that up. And also, we're talking high school ball for the most part here, not the bigs...
anyway, my son is a freshman in HS and has just moved from SS to catcher this past year. He was a *good* SS, but I think he has the makings of a *really good* catcher. The game within the game, calling the right pitch, framing a borderline strike, making the play at the plate, being the field "general" are all parts that he enjoys. He just needs to build his arm strength up a bit to make those throws to second a bit quicker.
He's hoping to start on the JV team this spring. In between basketball practices and games, he's working with the Rob McDonald video to try to improve his techniques..
anyway, my son is a freshman in HS and has just moved from SS to catcher this past year. He was a *good* SS, but I think he has the makings of a *really good* catcher. The game within the game, calling the right pitch, framing a borderline strike, making the play at the plate, being the field "general" are all parts that he enjoys. He just needs to build his arm strength up a bit to make those throws to second a bit quicker.
He's hoping to start on the JV team this spring. In between basketball practices and games, he's working with the Rob McDonald video to try to improve his techniques..
Smartdad brings up an interesting question. He says he son started catching because he was bored standing around at other positions while the pitcher and catcher threw the ball around. Can you catchers and/or parents of catchers share what it was that drew your son to the catcher's position and how old he was?
In my son's case....it all started waaaaay back in kindergarten during t-ball. There was one particularly hot day when they had to play a game. It was so hot that none of the kids wanted to put on the catcher's gear. My son finally put the gear on because he wanted to get the game going so he could get to the pool after it was done and meet some of his buddies for a kick ball game. Once he put on that gear.....it's been hard to get it off him!
In my son's case....it all started waaaaay back in kindergarten during t-ball. There was one particularly hot day when they had to play a game. It was so hot that none of the kids wanted to put on the catcher's gear. My son finally put the gear on because he wanted to get the game going so he could get to the pool after it was done and meet some of his buddies for a kick ball game. Once he put on that gear.....it's been hard to get it off him!
Almost the same as the two above. He was on the coach-pitch all-stars and was the only kid willing to play catcher in the June Texas heat and was bored standing around in the OF. He began playing it the next season most of the time and loves it.
SmartDad--the first time he gunned a kid at 2nd, he jumped up like he was shot out of a cannon...the most excited I ever saw him...
SmartDad--the first time he gunned a kid at 2nd, he jumped up like he was shot out of a cannon...the most excited I ever saw him...
luvbb:
That's a good question, but before I address it, let me congratulate you on a great end to an outstanding season for the Nittany Lions last night. Go Joe.
My son was a middle infielder/pitcher. He dabbled a bit with catching when he was nine. Ran into a man who coached him for years in Little League and AAU who saw the potential in him. He brought him along and my son grew into the position over time.
However, there was one game...in fact one play that stands out in my memory. It was a hard contact play at the plate when he was only eleven. As you know, must-slide rules being what they are, that kind of play is sorta rare at that age. Anyway, my son actually flipped the base runner over his head (...boy failed to slide...tried to run through him...), then let out something of a primal yell as he glared down at the boy in the dirt. That was when I knew he'd found the position he was made for.
That's a good question, but before I address it, let me congratulate you on a great end to an outstanding season for the Nittany Lions last night. Go Joe.
My son was a middle infielder/pitcher. He dabbled a bit with catching when he was nine. Ran into a man who coached him for years in Little League and AAU who saw the potential in him. He brought him along and my son grew into the position over time.
However, there was one game...in fact one play that stands out in my memory. It was a hard contact play at the plate when he was only eleven. As you know, must-slide rules being what they are, that kind of play is sorta rare at that age. Anyway, my son actually flipped the base runner over his head (...boy failed to slide...tried to run through him...), then let out something of a primal yell as he glared down at the boy in the dirt. That was when I knew he'd found the position he was made for.
Catcher is by far the hardest and toughest position, hands down. As a catcher you have to sacrifice your body everyday weather it be, blocking, plays at the plate, foul tips, etc. Aslo, you have to "Play nursemaid to those prima donnas who call themselves pitchers" as my buddy would say, who is also a catcher. Basically, all of you hit it right on the nose. A good catcher goes unnoticed, a bad catcher stickes out like a sore thumb. Pitching may be difficult and hard on you arm, but you only have to do it like every 5 or 6 days. Mentally, a catcher has to be confident and unbelievably baseball smart because every decision with the pictcher and fielder placement passes through you at some point. Catchers will make good coaches after they retire from playing. Catchers are often mixed in with offencive linemen in football because of how nuts you have to be to play those positions. My dad always says,"you are eather increadibly smart or increadibly nuts to love playing that position", when I take one off the chest or are or face you name it. Catchers are the toughest players on the field, hands down.
We laugh about our son's beginning.... He asked to catch during a LL minors game (he was our SS). He went behind the dish and was awful, I even made the remark "you don't have to worry about catching anymore". The following year at 9 he wanted to catch again, the rest is history.
If you go back to the movies Sandlot and Bad News Bears, the days of taking the biggest, slowest kid and making him the catcher are gone. It's now a position of intelligence, athleticism and leadership. Almost sounds like describing a SS.
If you go back to the movies Sandlot and Bad News Bears, the days of taking the biggest, slowest kid and making him the catcher are gone. It's now a position of intelligence, athleticism and leadership. Almost sounds like describing a SS.
As the parent of an MIF.....SS/2B....I have to say....Catchers have the hardest job...no doubt in my mind. Just asked my MIF.....and he said catchers....so we are unanimous......our hats off to catchers....the hardest workers on the field....
OK I'm outnumbered here by seemingly endless catchers and their parents. I've decided to agree! Actually thought I already did.
One thing though... good catchers don't go unnoticed by us! It's the best ones that stick out like a sore thumb and remembered. It's the bad ones that are forgotten. I know what is meant though.
It's the good umpires that go unnoticed.
I've decided to agree! Actually thought I already did.One thing though... good catchers don't go unnoticed by us! It's the best ones that stick out like a sore thumb and remembered. It's the bad ones that are forgotten. I know what is meant though.
It's the good umpires that go unnoticed.
PG's comment about umpires reminds me of something that happened to Smart Son last year. We moved right before his freshman year in HS last summer. So he started HS in a new town with new people and trying out for a new baseball team with no idea of what to expect. The coach placed him with the fall varsity team and wanted to see how he would handle himself during games that were a little less "important". After one of the better games he had (threw out 3 runners, blocked countless balls in the dirt, and went 3/4 at the plate), he recieved big "Congrats" from the umpire! The umpire went over to the concession stand to ge something to eat between games and struck up a conveersation with our coach about my son. It ended with "That kid is only a freshman!!?" it was a compliment he (and I) won't soon forget!
Guess I'm wrong again... getting to be a habit!
Smart Dad, You've proven good umpires don't have to go unnoticed. I stand corrected once again.
Smart Dad, You've proven good umpires don't have to go unnoticed. I stand corrected once again.
PG,
Speaking of catchers, I was excited to see young Shackleford in the preview video on your site.
Great young man - great family - and the kid definitely has alot of potential IMO.
Speaking of catchers, I was excited to see young Shackleford in the preview video on your site.
Great young man - great family - and the kid definitely has alot of potential IMO.
yikes, they're everywherequote:by PG: OK I'm outnumbered here by seemingly endless catchers and their parents.
re: difficulty - I asked mine & he said he was sure the other positions work just as hard as he does
what drew him to it? - - ICE CREAM!!
the regular catcher on our 9 yr old team took some time off for church camp -
and, he was NOT happy when I told him we needed his help back there -
but I quickly explained how he must never have noticed our catcher(s) always had ice cream in BOTH hands post game -
that bought me some time and he just "took to it" -
at times tho I was sure the gear was wearing him instead of visa-versa
later when we began select travel, he thought it was pretty interesting that he had roster spot offers before tryouts took place, just like some "good" players he knew of!
.
...want to ditto one of Bee's comments. Catchers may have the toughest job, on the whole, but on good teams, everyone is working just as hard.
Don't ya hate it when the pitcher and catcher are in a rhythm, striking out a lotta guys, and outa nowhere, a rally kicks up, started by an E cause somebody fell asleep in the field? It bears repeating: All nine guys are on full alert for every pitch on successful teams.
Don't ya hate it when the pitcher and catcher are in a rhythm, striking out a lotta guys, and outa nowhere, a rally kicks up, started by an E cause somebody fell asleep in the field? It bears repeating: All nine guys are on full alert for every pitch on successful teams.
