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I am at a bit of a predicament. I am a utility player, and play middle infield and pitch for my high school team. My problem is that I primarily see my self as a catcher, and while I don't want to loose my potential second base or shortstop spot that I had last year, I feel like I could excel and really help the team if I was behind the plate. I will likely be the starting catcher on my American Legion team this summer, and have much experience behind the plate, but my high school coaches only know me to be a middle infielder. I am only a sophomore, trying to work my way up in the high school organization and I may only be on the JV team this year. While we are now having winter workouts, I am unsure what I should do as far as staying put at middle infield, or approaching my varsity coach about playing catcher, or in someway making them aware that I am also skilled behind the plate.

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Originally Posted by rshif13:

I am at a bit of a predicament. I am a utility player, and play middle infield and pitch for my high school team. My problem is that I primarily see my self as a catcher, and while I don't want to loose my potential second base or shortstop spot that I had last year, I feel like I could excel and really help the team if I was behind the plate. I will likely be the starting catcher on my American Legion team this summer, and have much experience behind the plate, but my high school coaches only know me to be a middle infielder. I am only a sophomore, trying to work my way up in the high school organization and I may only be on the JV team this year. While we are now having winter workouts, I am unsure what I should do as far as staying put at middle infield, or approaching my varsity coach about playing catcher, or in someway making them aware that I am also skilled behind the plate.

If you look at the other catchers in the program (juniors, sophomores and freshmen at all levels) and think you will be able to help the team better than they can, there is certainly nothing wrong with asking the coach for a look.  Something like... "Coach, I'm happy playing MIF or any position you need me.  But I just want to make sure you are aware I've been catching quite a bit in Legion ball and would love a chance to get some reps at practice there so you can determine if that might be a spot I can help."

 

You also mentioned you pitch some.  Keep in mind that Pitcher/Catcher can be the most difficult combination for a player to juggle and some programs/coaches won't even consider having a player do both.  So, if you think you might be a key contributor on the mound, this may not be the best direction to take.

 

Best wishes.

Originally Posted by rshif13:

I am at a bit of a predicament. I am a utility player, and play middle infield and pitch for my high school team. My problem is that I primarily see my self as a catcher, and while I don't want to loose my potential second base or shortstop spot that I had last year, I feel like I could excel and really help the team if I was behind the plate. I will likely be the starting catcher on my American Legion team this summer, and have much experience behind the plate, but my high school coaches only know me to be a middle infielder. I am only a sophomore, trying to work my way up in the high school organization and I may only be on the JV team this year. While we are now having winter workouts, I am unsure what I should do as far as staying put at middle infield, or approaching my varsity coach about playing catcher, or in someway making them aware that I am also skilled behind the plate.

I primarily see my self as a catcher, 

 

It really does not matter what you see it is what the coaches see. Might sound a little cold but that is the way it is

Originally Posted by Will:
Originally Posted by rshif13:

I am at a bit of a predicament. I am a utility player, and play middle infield and pitch for my high school team. My problem is that I primarily see my self as a catcher, and while I don't want to loose my potential second base or shortstop spot that I had last year, I feel like I could excel and really help the team if I was behind the plate. I will likely be the starting catcher on my American Legion team this summer, and have much experience behind the plate, but my high school coaches only know me to be a middle infielder. I am only a sophomore, trying to work my way up in the high school organization and I may only be on the JV team this year. While we are now having winter workouts, I am unsure what I should do as far as staying put at middle infield, or approaching my varsity coach about playing catcher, or in someway making them aware that I am also skilled behind the plate.

I primarily see my self as a catcher, 

 

It really does not matter what you see it is what the coaches see. Might sound a little cold but that is the way it is

While that is true, it doesn't hurt to broach the subject with the coach as he may be unaware of the OP's skills as a catcher.  The coach may be pleasantly surprised.

I don't think any coach would take offense if you asked to be looked at as a catcher.

 

Sure, the coach would make you earn playing time.  But if you can hit, then even if you are not the # 1 catcher, I should think that presenting yourself as an option there would not lead you to end up on the bench if you would otherwise be the best option at one of the MIF positions.

 

Worst case scenario, coach says, "That's interesting, but we are really well stocked at catcher.  So just focus on MIF."  Best case, coach lets you try both and uses you as needed. 

 

BTW, with three seasons to go -- this one and two more -- the answer may vary year to year, depending on who else is on the team each year.  It's not at all unusual to see a guy in your shoes playing out of position when a senior is ahead of him, but when your bat has earned you a spot in the lineup.  But when that senior graduates, if you are then the best option, you can claim your preferred position.

 

For collegiate recruiting, if you get into that, having multiple positions is a big plus, especially if one of them is at catcher.  So, I don't see why you wouldn't pursue this.  Just stay respecful of the coach's authority at all times.  Offer it as you volunteering or expressing an interest, not in any words that someone might misconstrue as you making a demand of any sort.

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