Inviting a steal of 3B

No.  As he moves up to HS, the occasion that a runner would go without finding the ball would be so seldom, the reward would not outweigh the risk (of throw ending up in LF and run scoring). 

He should just keep working on being the best catcher he can be.  If his arm strength, accuracy, blocking ability and game awareness prevent runners from attempting to take a base, he has done his job well.

Now, having an effective, well orchestrated back-pick behind the runner at 2b is another story.  This can help keep opposing teams from getting extra steps on their secondary leads.

Thanks. I figured that would probably be the answer. As in, I'd have seen it already. He's actually in 9th grade (will be 15 in Feb).

There is ALWAYS a risk.  True story:

A few decades ago, in the championship game, with the pitcher hitting, a desperate team sent the runner from 2nd to 3rd; a move that was surely going to end the game and give us the championship.  The catcher (me) over threw the third baseman, losing the game!!  There was little doubt we would have gotten the batter out to end it.  The risk outweighed the reward! That was over 40 years ago... I'll never forget it.

I never like trying to bait someone into having to make a play. Too many things can go wrong with it. Just tell your son to make the plays that are presented to him and not try to get cute with baiting people into running.

If your son is throwing out every runner, they're not getting a good walking lead and taking advantage of the pitcher. Third is stolen off the pitcher. Its hard to believe no runners are making a proper judgment on go/no go on blocked pitches. Is your son way more advanced than the competition he competes against?

Originally Posted by Coach_Sampson:

I never like trying to bait someone into having to make a play. Too many things can go wrong with it. Just tell your son to make the plays that are presented to him and not try to get cute with baiting people into running.

That sir is excellent advice! Heck, if a catcher just made all the routine plays that presented themselves, they’d be a dream for any coach.

There are already more than enough ways things can go to Hell in a hand-basket without creating more of them.

Thought this thread was dead.I would say it was (last season) a combination of my son being very good and the competition often making the difference even greater by poor judgment/baserunning.

The only way that I have ever heard is when a ball that is high and away to a RHH where a catcher must take a step in order to make a play (think almost pitch out for a visual).  Coach said take an additional step or two away, quickly turn to see if runner is breaking to second (or third) and gun him down.  Have not seen it applied in a game, as of yet.

In short, the answer to your question is yes.  It would be very bush league for your son to fake a bobbled ball to hopefully bait a runner into stealing a base.  I would recommend playing the game the way it is supposed to be played.  Tell him to give his best effort every single pitch.

Thanks Catching101. That is EXACTLY how he plays. Thread die!