Skip to main content

My 14 YO son plays on a 15u team and has focused on being the best catcher he can be for 4+ years. He is very good, and throws about 1/3rd (half on a good day) of players stealing 2B. But I've thought about it, and he's thrown out almost every kid trying to steal 3B. Dealing with straight-stealers is pretty easy, but he usually (as in 80% or so) gets the kids who go on a blocked ball in the dirt, or on a bobbled ball.

 

Given a good or better third baseman, would it ever make sense (and/or be considered bush league) to fake a bobbled or lost ball in the dirt to intentionally draw the runner? And then (try to) throw him out? No plans on speaking to his coach about this, just wondering... Thanks in advance.

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

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.

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.

Originally Posted by Batty67:

My 14 YO son plays on a 15u team and has focused on being the best catcher he can be for 4+ years. He is very good, and throws about 1/3rd (half on a good day) of players stealing 2B. But I've thought about it, and he's thrown out almost every kid trying to steal 3B. Dealing with straight-stealers is pretty easy, but he usually (as in 80% or so) gets the kids who go on a blocked ball in the dirt, or on a bobbled ball.

 

Given a good or better third baseman, would it ever make sense (and/or be considered bush league) to fake a bobbled or lost ball in the dirt to intentionally draw the runner? And then (try to) throw him out? No plans on speaking to his coach about this, just wondering... Thanks in advance.

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.

Originally Posted by RJM:

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?


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.

Originally Posted by Catching101:

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!

Add Reply

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×