Converted catchers

At my sons school they are converting a hard nosed middle infielder with a cannon to possibly play catcher this Spring. We look surprised when a player is converted to a catcher at the MLB level. But I think there are many more position changes than we think.

ss-cf
of-1b
1b-of
ss-2b
ss-p
3b-p
c-3b

If you have the tools the game remains the same, only the look changes.

I once read that on the pro level it was easier to move a player out than it was in.

Meaning that a catcher can move to the infield or outfield position easier than moving an outfielder to the infield or even to catcher.

There are many catchers that later on in their career move to first ot third to save their knees and Craig Biggio has gone from behind the plate to second base to the outsield.

Mickey Mantle was originally a shortstop but then to disprove this theory, Jorge Passada was an infielder before beong moved behind the plate.

I have to agree with mcmann74 that it is much easier to move out from behind the plate than into catching. My son’s primary position is catcher but has played first, third, DH’ed and has been a weekend starter on the mound. I’m not saying a position player can’t learn to catch but the process is more complicated. A great catcher needs to have the arm of a pitcher, the quickness of a third baseman, the hands of a middle infielder, the hustle of an outfielder, plus the durability and mindset of... a catcher.

Indian's Victor Martinez was a SS

mcman- No question on that one. Catching is quite possibly the toughest position in the game, and not one that a kid will pick up quickly. Not too often that you'll see coaches move a kid from behind the plate, though, unless he has injuries concerns or just isn't very talented...the position is TOO important to a team's success.

Jason Varitek was a 3rd baseman and Tom Brady was a catcher...my son has played 3rd, 2nd, SS and outfield when they switch off in a doubleheader and of course he has D'Hd

Mike Lieberthal was a HS SS [can't imagine that with his wheels], Bob Boone was drafted as a 3B. Whitey Ashburn went the other way - when he was routinely beating guys down the line from his catcher's spot on infield grounders, they figured he could cover a bit more turf in CF!!

Brandon Inge of the Tigers was a SS-P in college (North Carolina?)

Thanks for all your replies. While I too have heard that its easier to move out than in.I have also know that the catching position has become more "athletic" over the years thus the reason for players moving behind the plate from elsewhere. I believe that FAU's Fiorentino was an OF/3B drafted as a C. I guess I was looking for a pattern. Your input helped.

I disagree with the easier to move out than in theory when it comes to catchers. Yes, there have been a few that have succeeded at other positions. However there have been "many" who have become professional catchers after growing up as infielders.

Other than a few rare cases, there is only two positions catchers move to. Left Field and First Base, both because of proven hitting ability. The number of high school Short Stops and Third Baseman converted to the catching position in pro ball and even sometimes in college is astounding.

Brandon Inge played at Virginia Commonwealth

PG Staff, I think that the saying, easier to move out than in, refers to is infield to OF.I started the topic, because I have heard that there were several current MLB catchers (7 or 8) that were infielders in HS and college. I wonder how many there are in the minors that are being converted to catchers for their athletic ability? I am of the opinion that like pitchers whose arms are over used as teenagers, young catchers are beat up by the time they're 18-28, i.e., legs are tired, too many foul tips etc.

Here is a conversation with a young MLB catcher.
Pretty interesting.

Kevin Cash - Toronto