Great thoughts
Catching truly is a game of its own.I never realized how much goes on in a game until I jumped behind the plate two years ago,havent left ever since.As a freshman in High School,I will likely start the JV this year and I am one of two candidates for next year.If I didnt love doing this I couldnt possibly force myself to do what I do each day.
Nobody can truly understand just how tough it is until they themselves jump behind the plate.And yes you do get virtually no recognition but at the end of a game I know I played vital part in our victory.
Truly a game of its own.
PGStaff, do you think that possibly the reason that you find shortstops converting to catchers, but not many catchers to shortstops might be that there are many quality shortstops and competition to get to the next level is fierce at short; while there aren't nearly as many truly good catchers and it might be harder to find a first rate catcher than it is to get to the next level for someone who is a quality catcher? Since many shortstops are very athletic and could play at the next level if there was a place for them, catching can be a natural if they're willing to put the gear on. Just a thought.
I think that catchers nowadays have to be very athletic if they are going to go far. The days of not only the overweight catcher, but also the catcher who doesn't have great agility and quickness, are pretty much over as you get to higher levels. I'll take an athletic player with quickness and a good arm over a slow moving catcher any day, and most successful programs all have athletic catchers who can play other positions. It is still one of the few postions where a relatively small but srong and athletic player can excel. While you don't see many 5'9" outfielders in the Big Leagues, you also don't see many 6'4" catchers.
PG's comment about shortstops going behind the plate does remind me of a tall, skinny kid who played shortstop on my highshool freshman team, many years ago. This was in 1974. He was probably the best player on our team, though our catcher was right with him in ability, and might have gone very far if he'd stuck with college ball instead of going into the workforce. The catcher decided to give up his scholarship and drop out of a Pac-10 school to sell cars, and he now owns a Toyota dealership. The skinny kid who played shortstop became a catcher somewhere along his progression to the Big Leagues, and had a very nice Major League career that included catching the Ryan Express's last no-no. That skinny kid who used to be a shortstop was Geno Petralli.
I think that catchers nowadays have to be very athletic if they are going to go far. The days of not only the overweight catcher, but also the catcher who doesn't have great agility and quickness, are pretty much over as you get to higher levels. I'll take an athletic player with quickness and a good arm over a slow moving catcher any day, and most successful programs all have athletic catchers who can play other positions. It is still one of the few postions where a relatively small but srong and athletic player can excel. While you don't see many 5'9" outfielders in the Big Leagues, you also don't see many 6'4" catchers.
PG's comment about shortstops going behind the plate does remind me of a tall, skinny kid who played shortstop on my highshool freshman team, many years ago. This was in 1974. He was probably the best player on our team, though our catcher was right with him in ability, and might have gone very far if he'd stuck with college ball instead of going into the workforce. The catcher decided to give up his scholarship and drop out of a Pac-10 school to sell cars, and he now owns a Toyota dealership. The skinny kid who played shortstop became a catcher somewhere along his progression to the Big Leagues, and had a very nice Major League career that included catching the Ryan Express's last no-no. That skinny kid who used to be a shortstop was Geno Petralli.
06catcherdad,
I think the reason you see shortstops turning into catchers and don't see catchers turning into shortstops is very simple.
The good shortstop often has the ability to catch while the good catcher will seldom have the ability to play shortstop. At least at the very highest levels.
It might be true that catchers are more athletic these days, but the truth is the top catcher last year (3rd pick - 1st round) is not what could be considered a great athlete. He definetely doesn't have the athleticism to play shortstop. The thing we've noticed about the catchers getting drafted these days is they can hit. A catcher who can receive, throw and HIT will be in more demand than the athletic catcher who doesn't hit quite as well.
The top 4 high school catchers we've seen this past year include one very good athlete who can run and 3 not so athletic guys (who can throw and HIT!)
Playing shortstop simply takes more athletic ability than catching. That doesn't mean every shortstop could be an excellent catcher. But if you see a good shortstop with nice hands and quick feet and a very strong arm, but suspect running ability... Guess what?
In any given year we see a handful at most of true shortstop prospects in the entire country. We see many more catchers who have a chance to play at the highest levels. One only needs to count the number of American born shortstops compared to the number of American born catchers to see which is more plentful.
I think the reason you see shortstops turning into catchers and don't see catchers turning into shortstops is very simple.
The good shortstop often has the ability to catch while the good catcher will seldom have the ability to play shortstop. At least at the very highest levels.
It might be true that catchers are more athletic these days, but the truth is the top catcher last year (3rd pick - 1st round) is not what could be considered a great athlete. He definetely doesn't have the athleticism to play shortstop. The thing we've noticed about the catchers getting drafted these days is they can hit. A catcher who can receive, throw and HIT will be in more demand than the athletic catcher who doesn't hit quite as well.
The top 4 high school catchers we've seen this past year include one very good athlete who can run and 3 not so athletic guys (who can throw and HIT!)
Playing shortstop simply takes more athletic ability than catching. That doesn't mean every shortstop could be an excellent catcher. But if you see a good shortstop with nice hands and quick feet and a very strong arm, but suspect running ability... Guess what?
In any given year we see a handful at most of true shortstop prospects in the entire country. We see many more catchers who have a chance to play at the highest levels. One only needs to count the number of American born shortstops compared to the number of American born catchers to see which is more plentful.
While I would like to side with the parent of a catcher (06catcherdad) and ignore the father of a pitcher (PGStaff) I gotta go with the reasoning of PGStaff. Few catchers possess the tools to play shortstop and many shortstops possess the tool to catch. I’d like to hear PGStaff’s comments on the 3rd baseman to catcher conversion. I always thought it would be easier to convert a 3rd baseman to catcher but maybe the supply of good 3rd basemen is not nearly as large as the supply of good shortstops. 
Fungo
Fungo
Fungo,
One mistake I made was using the word athletic ability… should have used your word… tools. Good catchers are good athletes… It’s just that their best tools and athletic ability are geared towards that position rather than shortstop. Usually it would be the middle infield and centerfield that most all catchers won’t be converted to. Most often the reason is lack of speed or range. 3B and SS are the two places you are most likely to find a future catcher, other than a present catcher that is. Those positions require – good feet – good hands – quick twitch muscles – strong arms – etc.
There are many more players capable of playing 3B at the very highest levels than either shortstop or catcher. This is because 3B doesn’t take the ability defensively of either a catcher or SS. The #1 tool (by far) for a 3B is the bat, more so than either SS or C.
IMO - Because good 3B are more plentiful than good catchers, would be the major reason we see this conversion so much.
The other reason (IMO) that we see so many MLB catchers who were converted from other positions is the same reason stated by so many in this thread. Catching takes it’s toll on the body! It’s by far the most physically demanding position, we all agree! Most catchers really don’t master that position until they are older. Some start catching at a very young age and others don’t. Most who start young don’t really learn the position until much later. Reason – Not many great catching instructors or coaches. So by converting a SS or 3B to that position 3 things take place.
1 – You have a player without as much wear and tear on his body caused from many years of being behind the plate.
2 – You have a player who has not established bad habits that need to be corrected.
3 – You hand pick a player who has the tools for the position.
Please don't ignore the parents of those prima-donna pitchers - there's a lot of us here! We all understand the value of a great catcher. It's odd how often a pitcher actually prefers throwing to a certain catcher - often someone other than than the starting catcher. Certain catchers, just have the ability to make pitchers better. Maybe it's just comfort or ability to work together.
Pitchers are often the worst (true athletes) on the field at the very highest levels. (just the opposite of the lower levels) And though it might not be as physically demanding as catching everyday... I would bet the farm (if I owned one) that pitchers are injured and on the DL in much higher numbers than catchers, or any other position! It's hard to find a pitcher with lots of years in pro ball who doesn't have a zipper on the inside of his elbow or shoulder.
I like this topic!
One mistake I made was using the word athletic ability… should have used your word… tools. Good catchers are good athletes… It’s just that their best tools and athletic ability are geared towards that position rather than shortstop. Usually it would be the middle infield and centerfield that most all catchers won’t be converted to. Most often the reason is lack of speed or range. 3B and SS are the two places you are most likely to find a future catcher, other than a present catcher that is. Those positions require – good feet – good hands – quick twitch muscles – strong arms – etc.
There are many more players capable of playing 3B at the very highest levels than either shortstop or catcher. This is because 3B doesn’t take the ability defensively of either a catcher or SS. The #1 tool (by far) for a 3B is the bat, more so than either SS or C.
IMO - Because good 3B are more plentiful than good catchers, would be the major reason we see this conversion so much.
The other reason (IMO) that we see so many MLB catchers who were converted from other positions is the same reason stated by so many in this thread. Catching takes it’s toll on the body! It’s by far the most physically demanding position, we all agree! Most catchers really don’t master that position until they are older. Some start catching at a very young age and others don’t. Most who start young don’t really learn the position until much later. Reason – Not many great catching instructors or coaches. So by converting a SS or 3B to that position 3 things take place.
1 – You have a player without as much wear and tear on his body caused from many years of being behind the plate.
2 – You have a player who has not established bad habits that need to be corrected.
3 – You hand pick a player who has the tools for the position.
Please don't ignore the parents of those prima-donna pitchers - there's a lot of us here!
We all understand the value of a great catcher. It's odd how often a pitcher actually prefers throwing to a certain catcher - often someone other than than the starting catcher. Certain catchers, just have the ability to make pitchers better. Maybe it's just comfort or ability to work together.Pitchers are often the worst (true athletes) on the field at the very highest levels. (just the opposite of the lower levels) And though it might not be as physically demanding as catching everyday... I would bet the farm (if I owned one) that pitchers are injured and on the DL in much higher numbers than catchers, or any other position! It's hard to find a pitcher with lots of years in pro ball who doesn't have a zipper on the inside of his elbow or shoulder.
I like this topic!
Pitchers are injured more often because they are asked to do the most unnatural thing a body must do in baseball - throw the ball overhand - with great force, different arm actions and under great duress. Over time, something's got to give - usually a shoulder or an elbow.
The best athletes in baseball are shortstops by nature of the position's demands. A shortstop must be sure-handed, strong-armed, agile, quick and fast. Your best athlete. You can make your best athlete anything you want. Show a great shortstop how to block and frame and guess what - you have a catcher.
But now he better hit! Shortstops can make a great living on the defensive side of baseball and get by with average hitting skills. Catchers with those traits often become backups to the Lance Parrish's and Mike Piazza's of baseball. Guys like Fisk, Pudge and Bench are who they are because of the rare combination of hitting and defensive ability each had/has.
Catching is also a state of mind. I remember many times my son showing me with pride a bruise he got in a game from blocking a ball or taking a foul tip off the shoulder in Little League. We called them Honor Marks and he took great pride in them when he was younger. Now when he gets hit he just curses to himself and gets back in the squat!
And FYI, Willie Wilson was an All-State catcher twice in New Jersey who went on to become an outstanding centerfielder for the Royals. I think that, after shortstop, CF requires the next best athlete on a team.
The best athletes in baseball are shortstops by nature of the position's demands. A shortstop must be sure-handed, strong-armed, agile, quick and fast. Your best athlete. You can make your best athlete anything you want. Show a great shortstop how to block and frame and guess what - you have a catcher.
But now he better hit! Shortstops can make a great living on the defensive side of baseball and get by with average hitting skills. Catchers with those traits often become backups to the Lance Parrish's and Mike Piazza's of baseball. Guys like Fisk, Pudge and Bench are who they are because of the rare combination of hitting and defensive ability each had/has.
Catching is also a state of mind. I remember many times my son showing me with pride a bruise he got in a game from blocking a ball or taking a foul tip off the shoulder in Little League. We called them Honor Marks and he took great pride in them when he was younger. Now when he gets hit he just curses to himself and gets back in the squat!
And FYI, Willie Wilson was an All-State catcher twice in New Jersey who went on to become an outstanding centerfielder for the Royals. I think that, after shortstop, CF requires the next best athlete on a team.
baseballdad,
Thanks, I didn't know that about Willie Wilson. Can't quite picture him behind the plate. If you had a player with his tools... Would you put him behing the plate... How'd that happen?
Thanks, I didn't know that about Willie Wilson. Can't quite picture him behind the plate. If you had a player with his tools... Would you put him behing the plate... How'd that happen?
Willie Wilson was All-State in football twice and basketball once as well as baseball. He caught from Little League through his four years at Summit High NJ. Obviously, his feet were lightning and his arm more than capable to throw out HS baserunners. But with that speed, he became a outfielder the instant the Royals drafted him.
Here is what The Star-Ledger (New Jersey's monster newspaper, said of him in naming him to its All-Century team:
WILLIE WILSON
SUMMIT
Final season: 1975
Key statistics: This high school catcher was patrolling center field for the Kansas City Royals two years after graduating from Summit. Willie "The Wisp" batted .444 and .436, respectively, in his final two seasons. As a senior he was successful on all 28 of his steal attempts and knocked in 16 runs with 34 hits, in cluding four doubles, a triple and two homers.
Summary: One of the best high school athletes ever in New Jersey, Wilson was a two-time All-State selection and earned third team hon ors as a sophomore. A member of The Star-Ledger All-Century Foot ball Team, Wilson enjoyed a 17-year Major League career, with all but two seasons with the Royals.
Willie is a great guy and frequent guest at our annual Hot Stove Dinner each February.
To answer your question, if I had Wilson, I would not want to do anything to wear him down. Speed is the great pressure tool in baseball and he was one of the fastest ever. The Royals got it right. In HS, however, he probably changed more games behind the plate than he would have in the outfield, IMO.
Here is what The Star-Ledger (New Jersey's monster newspaper, said of him in naming him to its All-Century team:
WILLIE WILSON
SUMMIT
Final season: 1975
Key statistics: This high school catcher was patrolling center field for the Kansas City Royals two years after graduating from Summit. Willie "The Wisp" batted .444 and .436, respectively, in his final two seasons. As a senior he was successful on all 28 of his steal attempts and knocked in 16 runs with 34 hits, in cluding four doubles, a triple and two homers.
Summary: One of the best high school athletes ever in New Jersey, Wilson was a two-time All-State selection and earned third team hon ors as a sophomore. A member of The Star-Ledger All-Century Foot ball Team, Wilson enjoyed a 17-year Major League career, with all but two seasons with the Royals.
Willie is a great guy and frequent guest at our annual Hot Stove Dinner each February.
To answer your question, if I had Wilson, I would not want to do anything to wear him down. Speed is the great pressure tool in baseball and he was one of the fastest ever. The Royals got it right. In HS, however, he probably changed more games behind the plate than he would have in the outfield, IMO.
PG, what you say certainly makes sense to me. I agree with you that many good catchers don't have the athleticism to play shortstop. With that in mind, most corner infielders, corner outfielders and pitchers don't have that athleticism either. Shortstops are generally the best athletes on any given team, and I guess that is why everyone builds their team "from the middle up", and that of course includes a shortstop. You can take a good shortstop and play him almost anywhere with some practice, except possibly on the mound if he can't throw strikes consistently.
I do think one of your comments, the one about how many American shortstops there are compared to American catchers, does show the tougher competition to play shortstop compared to catcher. There are a ton of kids throughout amateur baseball who want to play shortstop, and not as many who want to catch; therefore, you're more likely to find large numbers of good shortstops compared to the number of catchers. If a kid is a truly good catcher and wants to play for a long time, he has a bright future behind the plate, barring injury.
The comment about the top four catchers you've seen seems right on. I know at least one of those kids, possbily two, and while he can certainly throw well and hits a ton, I don't think most programs would rank him that highly for his other skills. That said, I sure to like to watch him hit, he is special with a bat in his hands and man does he have a hose! If I'm right in my guess about your other top 4 guy who is the great athlete, he is an awesome catcher who can do everything outstandingly well, except hit.
I do think one of your comments, the one about how many American shortstops there are compared to American catchers, does show the tougher competition to play shortstop compared to catcher. There are a ton of kids throughout amateur baseball who want to play shortstop, and not as many who want to catch; therefore, you're more likely to find large numbers of good shortstops compared to the number of catchers. If a kid is a truly good catcher and wants to play for a long time, he has a bright future behind the plate, barring injury.
The comment about the top four catchers you've seen seems right on. I know at least one of those kids, possbily two, and while he can certainly throw well and hits a ton, I don't think most programs would rank him that highly for his other skills. That said, I sure to like to watch him hit, he is special with a bat in his hands and man does he have a hose! If I'm right in my guess about your other top 4 guy who is the great athlete, he is an awesome catcher who can do everything outstandingly well, except hit.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
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.
PG, I read your post and though that was an interesting tidbit you gave. My son was taken from short to catcher last year. I didn't like the idea of him catching, but he did a great job behind the plate. It's a demanding position to play.
I guess my son is a little bit strange. He plays both shortstop and catcher, is one of the fastest kids on the team, and actually prefers being behind the plate. He absolutely lives for the bang bang play at the plate. When he first told me he wanted to try catching it took awhile before I gave in and put him back there. (The Rob McDonald video was one of the best investments I ever made, with the information from that I can work with my son and our other catcher and feel that they're learning proper technique.)
Bee, how did your son end up at GT, being from Ohio and all? I'd like to hear about your experiences in the recruiting process, my son's dream is to be Tech's catcher when the time comes (he's got a few years to go, I'm hoping he holds onto that desire between now and then).
Bee, how did your son end up at GT, being from Ohio and all? I'd like to hear about your experiences in the recruiting process, my son's dream is to be Tech's catcher when the time comes (he's got a few years to go, I'm hoping he holds onto that desire between now and then).
Gotta run right now, but I truly enjoy this discussion about catchers.
Someone mentioned some of what I've said is not about high school catchers and we're talking about high school catchers.
Well excuuuse me! I thought it was just about the position being the hardest. For those that might not know... Fungo's son is a professional catcher, Bee's son is a top DI catcher, baseballdad 1228 has a son who has signed with a top DI program, wvmtner's son is a DI catcher and was drafted, coachmerc's son has signed to catch at a DI school. There's others who have posted on this thread that have college sons who catch.
Torre Langley (GA) is the outstanding athlete who might be the best defensive catcher in high school... Signed with Georgia Tech.
Maybe more catching talk later. I enjoy reading everyones thoughts on this topic. Wouldn't be much of a baseball person if I didn't appreciate catchers.
Someone mentioned some of what I've said is not about high school catchers and we're talking about high school catchers.
Well excuuuse me! I thought it was just about the position being the hardest. For those that might not know... Fungo's son is a professional catcher, Bee's son is a top DI catcher, baseballdad 1228 has a son who has signed with a top DI program, wvmtner's son is a DI catcher and was drafted, coachmerc's son has signed to catch at a DI school. There's others who have posted on this thread that have college sons who catch.
Torre Langley (GA) is the outstanding athlete who might be the best defensive catcher in high school... Signed with Georgia Tech.
Maybe more catching talk later. I enjoy reading everyones thoughts on this topic. Wouldn't be much of a baseball person if I didn't appreciate catchers.
I think the Catcher-SS conversion distraction, while somewhat interesting, was just that...a distraction. A bit like saying that pitchers have more athletic ability or tools than OFs because we can all name a few who were converted to the OF as their baseball careers progressed.
I think 06catcherdad has it spot on --- there are, simply, more ss than catchers. And who else on the field would be converted? A fast, lanky OF with a long-arm throw? Slug with a glove or aging bat from 1st? Even of the MIFs, the SSs tend to be a bit sturdier of build than 2B, so there you go. I believe there is some positive transfer of abilities between catcher and third, but I haven't noticed the same massive crop of quality 3B that PG has. I remember a couple of years ago being amazed at the overwhelming vote for Rolen for the NL All Star Team. Mentioning this in passing to my son he said, "quick --- name another NL third baseman". Noticed the same thing through hs, select ball and now 3 years of college ball....as few quality 3B as catchers on the field --- as well as marginal D being saved by a big bat.
I'm sorry I had the 'puter off for a couple of days, I would have loved to have caught this one earlier....though Jerry and I might no longer be speaking
.
Pitchers should buy catchers lunch.
I think 06catcherdad has it spot on --- there are, simply, more ss than catchers. And who else on the field would be converted? A fast, lanky OF with a long-arm throw? Slug with a glove or aging bat from 1st? Even of the MIFs, the SSs tend to be a bit sturdier of build than 2B, so there you go. I believe there is some positive transfer of abilities between catcher and third, but I haven't noticed the same massive crop of quality 3B that PG has. I remember a couple of years ago being amazed at the overwhelming vote for Rolen for the NL All Star Team. Mentioning this in passing to my son he said, "quick --- name another NL third baseman". Noticed the same thing through hs, select ball and now 3 years of college ball....as few quality 3B as catchers on the field --- as well as marginal D being saved by a big bat.
I'm sorry I had the 'puter off for a couple of days, I would have loved to have caught this one earlier....though Jerry and I might no longer be speaking
.Pitchers should buy catchers lunch.
How are there more shortstops than catchers? I thought you needed them both on the field.
Torre Langley wasn't the outstanding athlete catcher I was thinking of, only know about his reputation. I do hear that he is outstanding.
baseballdad, what we're referring to is that there seems to be a much larger pool of players who want to play shortstop than there is a pool of players for catcher. Therefore, competition to make it as a front line shortstop is possibly tougher than to make it if you're a very good catcher. There simply aren't as many who aspire to play the position.
baseballdad, what we're referring to is that there seems to be a much larger pool of players who want to play shortstop than there is a pool of players for catcher. Therefore, competition to make it as a front line shortstop is possibly tougher than to make it if you're a very good catcher. There simply aren't as many who aspire to play the position.
That big pool of shortstops gets smaller and smaller as a player gets older. In the meantime the pool of catchers keeps increasing. Take it all the way to the top and nearly every professional and MLB roster will have more catchers than shortstops. some of these catchers started out as shortstops.
I agree in the beginning we have many more shortstops, but in the end we are left with a fairly small number of them who have the ability to play at the highest level.
I agree in the beginning we have many more shortstops, but in the end we are left with a fairly small number of them who have the ability to play at the highest level.
Given that the pool of catchers is increased by converted ss at the professional level, wouldn't that be evidence that fewer players do, indeed, aspire to be catchers...that they have to be recruited even at the profesional level?
Of course a professonal team would carry more catchers than other position players given the increased possibility of injury and the reality that you can't just stick a utility man back there and hope for the best. Two catchers on a pro roster are tenuous; three more comfortable, but it could cost the club a middle-relief pitcher's spot.
Of course a professonal team would carry more catchers than other position players given the increased possibility of injury and the reality that you can't just stick a utility man back there and hope for the best. Two catchers on a pro roster are tenuous; three more comfortable, but it could cost the club a middle-relief pitcher's spot.
I don't believe that there is a giant number of converted shortstops to catchers as you reach the top of the pyramid. By the time you reach a certain level, shortstops are shortstops and catchers are catchers.
Orlando!!!! I was wondering where you were because this topic seemed to be calling your name! 
As I expected...good insights from you!
As I expected...good insights from you!
This hasnt been mentioned yet but there have been some great catchers turned into pitchers.Example 1 troy percival.
I think this is because they have extremely accurate arms with solid strength.Also,the help of a top knotch pitching coach can only help
I think this is because they have extremely accurate arms with solid strength.Also,the help of a top knotch pitching coach can only help
Hiya, luv, a migrain that hit Tuesday night flattened me yesterday or you KNOW I would have jumped on this one sooner!
My son is a catcher who also pitches. Cathing is not only the most difficult position, it requires the most unselfish team player on the field. His (or Her, for our softball players) number one job is to make the pitcher look good.You'll never get that from a SS.
I've seen a lot of shortstops make a lot of pitcher's earned run averages look pretty good.
Glory job vs. Grunt job.
Most young boys start down the road their fathers point to, and I suggest that most fathers, coaches and non-coaches alike, pushed their boys towards pitching and playing shortstop. In the process, the perception is instilled that there are desirable positions, and undesirable positions. As kids get older, they certainly gravitate to their natural position. However, I believe that many who could catch don't because of the "bottom of the food chain" perception instilled at a younger age. Many "wannabe" shortstops, and far fewer aspiring catchers.
Most young boys start down the road their fathers point to, and I suggest that most fathers, coaches and non-coaches alike, pushed their boys towards pitching and playing shortstop. In the process, the perception is instilled that there are desirable positions, and undesirable positions. As kids get older, they certainly gravitate to their natural position. However, I believe that many who could catch don't because of the "bottom of the food chain" perception instilled at a younger age. Many "wannabe" shortstops, and far fewer aspiring catchers.
And as long as we are speaking about catcher's from this site, we should also mention
Jarrod Saltalamacchia - Catapulted into #1 catching spot for the BRAVES
Dad, if you are still reading....
Jarrod Saltalamacchia - Catapulted into #1 catching spot for the BRAVES
Dad, if you are still reading....
I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread. Very good information. I think catching is one of the most physically demanding as you are squating alot and when you do catch back to back games in 100 degree weather it does take a toll- but from my son's experience it seems to pump him up even more. We just use alot of ice after the game along with running the fence to loosen up. (Is there any more ideas that will protect his knees??????????) I believe all positions on the team are valuable and each one can make or break the team. If the team works together the outcome would be outstanding. Being a mother of a catcher sometimes is very nerve racking as it was said before that if a catcher is letting balls get passed him everyone notices but if he is having a wonderful day-it is to be expected of that position. My son started focusing exclusivly on being a catcher at age 14. He used to pitch and play outfield also but totally loves catching( I think it is in his blood) He loves being in most every play and loves the physical part of catching. He is proud of his bruises. He is growing up to be a wonderful person as well as a hellava catcher. We are very proud and we are hoping he does fulfill his dream
Floridahokie...
Glory Job vs. Grunt Job
VERY good description....however, I think my catcher son feels he gets alot of glory from being a grunt! (however, all the glory comes from within)
Orlando...glad you're feeling better!
Glory Job vs. Grunt Job
VERY good description....however, I think my catcher son feels he gets alot of glory from being a grunt!
(however, all the glory comes from within)Orlando...glad you're feeling better!
You are correct luvbb.
The glory does come from within and it is a grunt job (but the boys like to get dirty).
The glory does come from within and it is a grunt job (but the boys like to get dirty).
Catchermom,
Agreed...my kid would be extremely disappointed in himself if he didn't have the dirtiest uniform coming off the field. Dirt is a badge of honor. I think 99.9% of catchers share that mentality.
Agreed...my kid would be extremely disappointed in himself if he didn't have the dirtiest uniform coming off the field.
Dirt is a badge of honor. I think 99.9% of catchers share that mentality.
Dirt is a badge of honor. However, it is **** to get it out of their unis. But I would change anything for the thrill of a tag out at second and a blocked run at the plate. The thrill of baseball-you gotta love it
Any reward a catcher recieves comes form within. What I mean by that is, as a catcher, it really sucks to have a passed ball or bomb the ball into centerfield when trying to get a runner caught stealing. But when a throw comes from the outfield one hop or straight into your glove, and you see the runner a good 2-3 steps away, you know he's dead. He trys to run you over or hook slide or get under you. It doesn't matter, BOOM he out. He may knock you on you butt, but the ump points to you and yells ball, BALL! You show it to him, he yells, OUT! There is no greater reward than to see the runner walk back to the dugout all P.O.ed and your teammates all cheering, you uni all durty, that is what catchers live for.
Not to mention gunning a runner out a second base!
I coundn't care less if I don't get pats on my back or fist pounds or high fives, it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that you saved a run. You were the last line of defence and you stopped that runner dead in his tracks. That is, hands down, the best feeling in baseball.
-Kevin
Not to mention gunning a runner out a second base!
I coundn't care less if I don't get pats on my back or fist pounds or high fives, it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that you saved a run. You were the last line of defence and you stopped that runner dead in his tracks. That is, hands down, the best feeling in baseball.
-Kevin
By the way, if this topic doesn't become a golden thread I will be thoroughly surprised!
-Kevin
-Kevin
Kevin,
Great story. Like some of the other young writers we have, I would like to encourage you to write - along with develop your baseball skills. Your story was excellent. You got me wanting/wishing to be a catcher
Great story. Like some of the other young writers we have, I would like to encourage you to write - along with develop your baseball skills. Your story was excellent. You got me wanting/wishing to be a catcher
ClevelandDad,
Thanks for the compliment. I've never really had anyone tell me that I could write. Thanks, you kind of made my day. LOL
-Kevin
Thanks for the compliment. I've never really had anyone tell me that I could write. Thanks, you kind of made my day. LOL
-Kevin
quote:Originally posted by FloridaHokie:
Glory job vs. Grunt job.
Most young boys start down the road their fathers point to, and I suggest that most fathers, coaches and non-coaches alike, pushed their boys towards pitching and playing shortstop. In the process, the perception is instilled that there are desirable positions, and undesirable positions. As kids get older, they certainly gravitate to their natural position. However, I believe that many who could catch don't because of the "bottom of the food chain" perception instilled at a younger age. Many "wannabe" shortstops, and far fewer aspiring catchers.
We never looked at the position as bottom of the food chain. From a pitcher's point of view, he can only be as good as his catcher.
Very much appreciated!
TPM,
You raise a good point about catchers. My son and I never viewed the position as the bottom either. No doubt there is a blue collar aspect to the position, but you simply cannot be on a good team unless you have an excellent catcher.
You raise a good point about catchers. My son and I never viewed the position as the bottom either. No doubt there is a blue collar aspect to the position, but you simply cannot be on a good team unless you have an excellent catcher.
I learned in youth leagues C is near the bottom, with OF being THE ABSOLUTE bottomquote:by TPM: We never looked at the position as bottom of the food chain
I had parents tell me their son could play "some" C or OF if their "real" position was MID-IF or P
however, if I labeled their son a C or OF, their family would be disgraced
I had 9 SS and 5 P on the roster & nobody was disgraced
go figure
.
I think more than anything you have to be mentaly tough to play that position.
Heres an example.Yesterday at practice there was a runner rounding 3b and heading home and the throw beat him so he was now in a run down,I gave a good flip and the 3b and he missed it.I took the heat for it.I tried picking off the runner at first,gave a good throw and our 1b missed it(sun was in his eyes)and I took the heat.
The bottom line is if you are not ready to take the heat for everything you cannot play this postion.I feel the reward of knowing I played a huge role in a win is far more than the grunt of the job.You have to live for the contact play.
Heres an example.Yesterday at practice there was a runner rounding 3b and heading home and the throw beat him so he was now in a run down,I gave a good flip and the 3b and he missed it.I took the heat for it.I tried picking off the runner at first,gave a good throw and our 1b missed it(sun was in his eyes)and I took the heat.
The bottom line is if you are not ready to take the heat for everything you cannot play this postion.I feel the reward of knowing I played a huge role in a win is far more than the grunt of the job.You have to live for the contact play.
When they start in T-ball, the catcher has virtually nothing to do. Until runners start to steal sometime along the way in youth ball, the position is a relative non-factor. If anyone keeps that poor perception of the catching position after that time....they just haven't been paying attention.
SS and pitcher, in youth ball, are the glam spots. Back in LL, I did a Chance Chart for the kids, and was surprised to see that over the course of a particular season, only 3B and left field had fewer chances to field the ball than ss (obviously we had a league that had trouble pulling the ball). I used to it to convince the players (and their sainted parents) that developing OFs was actually a good idea.
And the only pitchers I know who don't appreciate catchers, TPM, are the ones who have never had a good one!
SS and pitcher, in youth ball, are the glam spots. Back in LL, I did a Chance Chart for the kids, and was surprised to see that over the course of a particular season, only 3B and left field had fewer chances to field the ball than ss (obviously we had a league that had trouble pulling the ball
). I used to it to convince the players (and their sainted parents) that developing OFs was actually a good idea.And the only pitchers I know who don't appreciate catchers, TPM, are the ones who have never had a good one
!
As the mother of a pitcher, I can't stress enough how important catching is. That position in some ways can make or break the pitcher. The catcher on our son's team is young and inexperienced and is doing his darndest to learn the position, but in my opinion has cost most of the games we have lost. The pitcher must be able to trust who is behind the plate. Although I will say I believe that the mental preparation a pitcher must do is in fact the toughest. I know when we were growing up my parents would look at the opposing catcher first to determine how we would proceed with their game plan.
