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I am new to the forum but this really helps me a little. My high school doesn't have me catch because they need me as the Friday night pitcher. The coach is afraid I will get hurt on a Tuesday game so I play outfield in high school on Tuesdays. But my summer team I am the starting catcher. They still like me as a pitcher too so I pitch one game then catch the rest.

 

It seems hard to get a coach to look at my catching soon as they hear about my pitching. I really like catching more, and being 5'9", 195lbs (no fat) I think I fit the catcher spot better for college. My pop is sub 2.0(1.92-1.98), between 81-84 from behind the plate, bat over .400 (3-5hr a year), 6.8-6.9 60yard, yes I block well and frame well. What colleges (little JUCO's) that have seen me catch are interested in me catching but when it comes to the bigger and nicer colleges, I don't get shown as a catcher, they want to see me as a pitcher. I am lucky to just get the opportunity to be in front of the colleges so don't want to seem cocky or selfish.

 

How do I break the mold where I can show my catching? I can't afford to get to camps, should I try to set up one on one workouts with some colleges? Then it gets into cost for us to get to the colleges. Sorry my parents do not make a lot so I am looking for the best way to expose myself and cheapest.

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Many here will tell you to play any position where you are wanted and have an opportunity.  However, if you would really rather play baseball as a catcher, then you very well may find that you won't have the drive necessary to make it as a college P because the passion isn't there.

Let your summer team coach know that you would like to focus on catching and want to pursue college  baseball as a catcher.  Ask if he thinks you are good enough to succeed and if he is willing to speak to schools on your behalf as a catcher.  He may also be willing to help you put together a video so you can get in front of schools you may not otherwise be able to afford to get in front of. 

I would suggest you take on a part time job to help with the costs of going to a few strategic showcases but I know it is getting late since you are a 2015.  Still may make sense to do.  Don't rule out the path of going to a JC that has interest in you as a C and earning your way from there to a 4 yr school.

Last edited by cabbagedad

What is your fastball velocity?

 

It seems odd that you seem to realize your body type and skill level makes you more attractive as a catcher, but your team doesn't understand that.

 

Most of the higher level teams want their players reaching the next level.  Maybe your team has three excellent catchers and very little pitching.  Buster Posey was a pitcher and a real good one in high school.  He didn't start catching until he was in college.

 

If money is an issue, try to find MLB Tryouts somewhere near where you live.  The MLB Scouting Bureau also has many Tryouts.  If you have the ability to catch at a high level you need to show that somewhere.  

 

I think many believe they can't get it done because of money.  If money is a problem, knowledge becomes most important.  There are ways if you have the ability to play at a high level.  You only have to ask the right people. You will be surprised how much help is out there for talented players.  And there would be even more help if the NCAA would allow it.

The fastest from the mound I have "seen" off a radar is 88-89 but that was a year ago. This year I haven't seen the radar from the mound. I did get clocked this summer while working out on a crow hop at 93 a bunch of times.

 

In High school we just have 5 other catchers, but we don't have other pitchers. Coach points out if I can't pitch a game, it is pretty much a loss cause.

 

And yes, I am one that didn't think I had a chance to be seen because my parents just don't have the money to put me into things like the Metro Scout League. We looked at it but they couldn't swing it. I am sending letters to all the colleges around but almost all always say "come to our camp". Still working on that option too.

Last edited by Baseball2015
Originally Posted by cabbagedad:

 


I would suggest you take on a part time job to help with the costs of going to a few strategic showcases but I know it is getting late since you are a 2015.  Still may make sense to do.  Don't rule out the path of going to a JC that has interest in you as a C and earning your way from there to a 4 yr school.

Right now I am working around 16-24 hours a week to pay for the summer team I am on. I can't really get much more time with high school studies right now but plan to ask for more time at work.

4 things that come to mind......

A) I know of 3 players in the last 5 yrs that did not catch once their senior yr, just pitched, and we're still taken as catchers.

 

B) you seem to be pinning this on your HS coach but you stated that your summer coach lets you do both.  more recruiters come around during the summer time so aren't they seeing you there.

 

C) doing both is highly taxing on your body.  Have you ever thought your HS coach is concerned for your health.

 

D). go where they love you is a phrase that is used a lot.  Well it seems that a lot of people love your pitching.  You might want to think about that.

 

 

Originally Posted by Baseball2015:

The fastest from the mound I have "seen" off a radar is 88-89 but that was a year ago. This year I haven't seen the radar from the mound. I did get clocked this summer while working out on a crow hop at 93 a bunch of times.

 

In High school we just have 5 other catchers, but we don't have other pitchers. Coach points out if I can't pitch a game, it is pretty much a loss cause.

 

And yes, I am one that didn't think I had a chance to be seen because my parents just don't have the money to put me into things like the Metro Scout League. We looked at it but they couldn't swing it. I am sending letters to all the colleges around but almost all always say "come to our camp". Still working on that option too.

That's why your HS coach and the "bigger" coaches want you as a pitcher.  If your topping out around 89 that means you're probably throwing 85-86 consistently.  That right there is enough to generate interest at the D1/D2 level.

 

My son, who is now at a D2 university as a 1B, was primarily a catcher for his travel team and in HS as a sophomore was the starting catcher.  Coach move him to 3B his junior year and 1B his senior year.  He needed his glove in the field more than behind the plate.  He signed with a JuCo as a 1B and eventually signed with a D2 university as a 1B after two years at a JuCo.  I sincerely doubt he would have gotten the D2 offer had he stayed at catcher (and he was a very good catcher - the best in the county).

 

My point is if you're looking to play at the next level (college) sometimes you have to take the door that is opening.

 

 

My point is if you're looking to play at the next level (college) sometimes you have to take the door that is opening.

 

I am looking at it that way. I hope to play in college for a good college. I do not expect a big SEC college or anything like that, I am hoping at best a small D1/D2 or a nice D1 JUCO. But will see where I land. Playing is important but the college and ability to get the degree I want is also important. Ty for all the help and input.

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