Pickoffs at 2b

When I was coaching, I would signal the pitch to the catcher then take off my hat. The catcher would then give the pitch sign as normal then adjust his facemask *after* the pitch sign. The SS and 2b would watch for that during the game. It did not happen often, so it would not get picked up by the other team.

Not a coach, but a few questions and observations.  Does a coach call pitches - if so, what is the method to communicate the pitch?  Do you use hand signals or a number series?  Also, I assume you want to call a pickoff simultaneous with the pitch call  - can you confirm?  I think the more difficult task will be letting the MIF know the call - this will usually have to come from the catcher, but not always.  Also, a good MIF group should be able to participate in signaling back to the catcher requesting a throw.

Colleges I believe use the catcher touches for location then a pitch signal so the runner at second doesn't tip location.

I like the catcher touches and if touch facemask that means picking at 2B or two touches to facemask means picking at 2B.  Second base could even touch ear and that means to pick for catcher.

I used language I never used to call pickoffs and other things.  My signs were claps because I never clap.  I used 4 numbers to call pitches.  1 of the four was pitch and 1 was location.  Normally 2nd number pitcher and 3rd location unless someone was picking up then we just mixed it up and messed them up once and you can do what you want from then on.  My catcher never gave a sign and my pitchers worked really fast.  Batters and other coach hated it.  We got to where we would throw a second pitch before the batter could think about trying to call time.  Umpires loved us and would let us work quick.

This a situation where “over coaching out rules development and teaching.

let the catcher control the situation. He knows his teammates and the timing situations. Each game is a learning opportunity

Bob

Bob, I know very few high school catchers who can remember kids from one inning to the next.  I don't know hardly any that understand the name enough to call pitches, read batters, and know when to pickoff.  I know some of you just got offended but that is my reality.  I know very few in college as freshmen who can do it and I've seen some of the best.  Why stress them out?  You have the knowledge to do all of that and let them just play the game.  They are not going to do it in college so why would you make them do it in high school.

Pitching fan:

Two of our local HS and SRJC catchers are currently the Bench Coach and Manager of the Baltimore Orioles. The local Coaches insisted that they manage the game when catching. HS, Summer Ball, College Baseball are teaching and development opportunities.

Bob