I'm a 14-year-old baseball player, and I have only been playing baseball for not so long, like 2 or 3 years. I have find my talent at 3rd base and on the mound, and I have sinked many hours of work into it. I was considering playing catcher because nobody really knows how to play it. It looks really painful but I do want to throw runners out. I am 5-11, 180.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Yes, if your up for it. But it is more than throwing out runners. Blocking, receiving and managing the game are all parts of it too.
peterwu27 posted:I'm a 14-year-old baseball player, and I have only been playing baseball for not so long, like 2 or 3 years. I have find my talent at 3rd base and on the mound, and I have sinked many hours of work into it. I was considering playing catcher because nobody really knows how to play it. It looks really painful but I do want to throw runners out. I am 5-11, 180.
Catchers are among those "up the middle" players that tend to be sought after, particularly if they're good at it. If you think you might like it, try it out and see. You're at an age that is a good time to experiment a little. So, if you have the opportunity . . . . go for it and learn all you can about the position.
Thanks for your opinion.
Best position on the field, in my opinion. Only position that has the entire field in front of them. An important position that is both physically and mentally demanding. Put all your heart + effort in to it, you'll be glad that you did. All the best going forward young man. 
CatsPop posted:Best position on the field, in my opinion. Only position that has the entire field in front of them. An important position that is both physically and mentally demanding. Put all your heart + effort in to it, you'll be glad that you did. All the best going forward young man.
Thanks a lot for your suggestions!
Run into a couple of walls. Have your friends throw rocks at you. If you enjoy it, sure, catch.
Actually, it's a valuable position very few play well. If you can block pitches, throw out runners and lead it's usually the fastest way to the varsity. If it's your only position you better be the best in case someone shows up who excels.
My son loved catching through his preteen years. He loved being in the middle of the game. By 13u he was playing mostly short. He had tired of the beating. His LL all star team played into August. By the time the season was over his arms were black and blue. The beating affected his swing.
RJM posted:Run into a couple of walls. Have your friends throw rocks at you. If you enjoy it, sure, catch.
I don't know if I'll run in to some walls haha.
you don't have to run into walls but it can be one of the more painfull positions. you will get hit by some foul tips and in the worst case hit by a backswing or being run over.
it is a tough Position but not for everyone. still it is a cool Position, basically you are the Boss of the IF. if you can do it reasonably well that increases your chances to Play a lot, every Coach is glad to have a guy that can catch because that saves him a lot of time and work. still get a Little work at your second Position too if you can Play C and 3B you are quite versatile.
As a JV coach I am always amazed at how few hands go up on day #1 of tryouts as to "Who plays catcher?" Out of 25-30 guys looking to make an 18-man roster, maybe.........maybe 3 raise their hand.
I usually then quip, "Ok....you just made the team." Of those 3 usually only 2 are legit, experienced catchers. And obviously we will need those 2.
But the third guy, the one who has never even worn a catcher's mask or glove? I definitely want him because he is working smart, he is hustling, he is being available, he is willing to learn, he is willing to go out of his comfort zone to do whatever it takes to make the team.
That's a guy I definitely want. So YES, you should catch.
#1 Assistant Coach posted:As a JV coach I am always amazed at how few hands go up on day #1 of tryouts as to "Who plays catcher?" Out of 25-30 guys looking to make an 18-man roster, maybe.........maybe 3 raise their hand.
I usually then quip, "Ok....you just made the team." Of those 3 usually only 2 are legit, experienced catchers. And obviously we will need those 2.
But the third guy, the one who has never even worn a catcher's mask or glove? I definitely want him because he is working smart, he is hustling, he is being available, he is willing to learn, he is willing to go out of his comfort zone to do whatever it takes to make the team.
That's a guy I definitely want. So YES, you should catch.
Hey man I did all those things during the tryouts, I was the only one that was doing whatever I have to to make the team, and then I got cut. Don't know what I should do now.
peterwu27 posted:#1 Assistant Coach posted:As a JV coach I am always amazed at how few hands go up on day #1 of tryouts as to "Who plays catcher?" Out of 25-30 guys looking to make an 18-man roster, maybe.........maybe 3 raise their hand.
I usually then quip, "Ok....you just made the team." Of those 3 usually only 2 are legit, experienced catchers. And obviously we will need those 2.
But the third guy, the one who has never even worn a catcher's mask or glove? I definitely want him because he is working smart, he is hustling, he is being available, he is willing to learn, he is willing to go out of his comfort zone to do whatever it takes to make the team.
That's a guy I definitely want. So YES, you should catch.
Hey man I did all those things during the tryouts, I was the only one that was doing whatever I have to to make the team, and then I got cut. Don't know what I should do now.
Now I know what you are doing wrong.
Don't call me "Man."
#1 Assistant Coach posted:peterwu27 posted:#1 Assistant Coach posted:As a JV coach I am always amazed at how few hands go up on day #1 of tryouts as to "Who plays catcher?" Out of 25-30 guys looking to make an 18-man roster, maybe.........maybe 3 raise their hand.
I usually then quip, "Ok....you just made the team." Of those 3 usually only 2 are legit, experienced catchers. And obviously we will need those 2.
But the third guy, the one who has never even worn a catcher's mask or glove? I definitely want him because he is working smart, he is hustling, he is being available, he is willing to learn, he is willing to go out of his comfort zone to do whatever it takes to make the team.
That's a guy I definitely want. So YES, you should catch.
Hey man I did all those things during the tryouts, I was the only one that was doing whatever I have to to make the team, and then I got cut. Don't know what I should do now.
Now I know what you are doing wrong.
Don't call me "Man."
Yes, coach.
peterwu27 posted:#1 Assistant Coach posted:peterwu27 posted:#1 Assistant Coach posted:As a JV coach I am always amazed at how few hands go up on day #1 of tryouts as to "Who plays catcher?" Out of 25-30 guys looking to make an 18-man roster, maybe.........maybe 3 raise their hand.
I usually then quip, "Ok....you just made the team." Of those 3 usually only 2 are legit, experienced catchers. And obviously we will need those 2.
But the third guy, the one who has never even worn a catcher's mask or glove? I definitely want him because he is working smart, he is hustling, he is being available, he is willing to learn, he is willing to go out of his comfort zone to do whatever it takes to make the team.
That's a guy I definitely want. So YES, you should catch.
Hey man I did all those things during the tryouts, I was the only one that was doing whatever I have to to make the team, and then I got cut. Don't know what I should do now.
Now I know what you are doing wrong.
Don't call me "Man."
Yes, coach.
Too late.
You're cut.
#1 Assistant Coach posted:peterwu27 posted:#1 Assistant Coach posted:peterwu27 posted:#1 Assistant Coach posted:As a JV coach I am always amazed at how few hands go up on day #1 of tryouts as to "Who plays catcher?" Out of 25-30 guys looking to make an 18-man roster, maybe.........maybe 3 raise their hand.
I usually then quip, "Ok....you just made the team." Of those 3 usually only 2 are legit, experienced catchers. And obviously we will need those 2.
But the third guy, the one who has never even worn a catcher's mask or glove? I definitely want him because he is working smart, he is hustling, he is being available, he is willing to learn, he is willing to go out of his comfort zone to do whatever it takes to make the team.
That's a guy I definitely want. So YES, you should catch.
Hey man I did all those things during the tryouts, I was the only one that was doing whatever I have to to make the team, and then I got cut. Don't know what I should do now.
Now I know what you are doing wrong.
Don't call me "Man."
Yes, coach.
Too late.
You're cut.
Coach, what can I do to earn a spot on the team next year.
Catching is the toughest position to play, but can be very rewarding. My son's primary position was catcher from age 9 through his sophomore year (switched to 3B and then 1B). It is one of the unsung positions. You don't get the glory the pitchers and SS do. But a good catcher that than can block, throw and hit is worth their weight. You are also the leader of the defense. Just prepared to get beat up a bit - pitches in the dirt, foul ball tipped into you, runner sliding into home, etc. As mentioned, it's not just throwing down to second.
You'll want to develop skills at an alternate position such as 3B or 1B. Trust me when I tell you that you don't want to play every game behind the plate.
peterwu27 posted:I'm a 14-year-old baseball player, and I have only been playing baseball for not so long, like 2 or 3 years. I have find my talent at 3rd base and on the mound, and I have sinked many hours of work into it. I was considering playing catcher because nobody really knows how to play it. It looks really painful but I do want to throw runners out. I am 5-11, 180.
Peter, playing catcher can be cool but it REALLY isn't for everyone. I hate to be so blunt, but you asked, if your back up position is 3B you likely aren't suited to be a catcher. 3B is where you put your BIG guy who doesn't move very well. The best catchers have the speed, movement and athleticism that if they weren't catching they would be playing shortstop.
It isn't about just catching the ball and being big enough to block the ball, it's more about what happens when the ball gets past you. I have a 14u son and he is the backup catcher. He loves being able to see the whole field and being involved so often in the plays but he's giving it up after this year because he's just not fluid and fast enough when the ball gets past him.
Maybe I'm wrong, maybe you are super nimble and fast...but my best advice to you is to focus on your hitting. If you aren't a MIF or a speedy OF guy then your contribution to the team is likely hitting or pitching. Excel at either of those and you should have a decent shot at making the team next year.
FoxDad posted:Catching is the toughest position to play, but can be very rewarding. My son's primary position was catcher from age 9 through his sophomore year (switched to 3B and then 1B). It is one of the unsung positions. You don't get the glory the pitchers and SS do. But a good catcher that than can block, throw and hit is worth their weight. You are also the leader of the defense. Just prepared to get beat up a bit - pitches in the dirt, foul ball tipped into you, runner sliding into home, etc. As mentioned, it's not just throwing down to second.
You'll want to develop skills at an alternate position such as 3B or 1B. Trust me when I tell you that you don't want to play every game behind the plate.
Thanks for your tips!
CaCO3Girl posted:peterwu27 posted:I'm a 14-year-old baseball player, and I have only been playing baseball for not so long, like 2 or 3 years. I have find my talent at 3rd base and on the mound, and I have sinked many hours of work into it. I was considering playing catcher because nobody really knows how to play it. It looks really painful but I do want to throw runners out. I am 5-11, 180.
Peter, playing catcher can be cool but it REALLY isn't for everyone. I hate to be so blunt, but you asked, if your back up position is 3B you likely aren't suited to be a catcher. 3B is where you put your BIG guy who doesn't move very well. The best catchers have the speed, movement and athleticism that if they weren't catching they would be playing shortstop.
It isn't about just catching the ball and being big enough to block the ball, it's more about what happens when the ball gets past you. I have a 14u son and he is the backup catcher. He loves being able to see the whole field and being involved so often in the plays but he's giving it up after this year because he's just not fluid and fast enough when the ball gets past him.
Maybe I'm wrong, maybe you are super nimble and fast...but my best advice to you is to focus on your hitting. If you aren't a MIF or a speedy OF guy then your contribution to the team is likely hitting or pitching. Excel at either of those and you should have a decent shot at making the team next year.
I think you're right. Thanks for your time! I was competing against 60 other people for the 15-man roster. It was not fun... That's why I was seeking for if I can play another position that would be a little easier.
CaCO3Girl posted:3B is where you put your BIG guy who doesn't move very well. The best catchers have the speed, movement and athleticism that if they weren't catching they would be playing shortstop.
Around here the lumbering BIG guy would be either 1) the DH (so long as he could hit) or 2) at 1B.
Otherwise, yes, a good catcher needs to be agile. And if you hit well regardless of position, coaches generally find away to get you in the lineup.
FoxDad posted:Catching is the toughest position to play, but can be very rewarding. My son's primary position was catcher from age 9 through his sophomore year (switched to 3B and then 1B). It is one of the unsung positions. You don't get the glory the pitchers and SS do. But a good catcher that than can block, throw and hit is worth their weight. You are also the leader of the defense. Just prepared to get beat up a bit - pitches in the dirt, foul ball tipped into you, runner sliding into home, etc. As mentioned, it's not just throwing down to second.
You'll want to develop skills at an alternate position such as 3B or 1B. Trust me when I tell you that you don't want to play every game behind the plate.
Don't forget one of the most important characteristics is the ability to "stick" pitches. The catcher that can keep strikes strikes, and make balls look like strikes will get your pitcher 4-5 extra "strike" calls each game. Those that cannot, will run their pitcher counts up unnecessarily.
CaCO3Girl posted:peterwu27 posted:I'm a 14-year-old baseball player, and I have only been playing baseball for not so long, like 2 or 3 years. I have find my talent at 3rd base and on the mound, and I have sinked many hours of work into it. I was considering playing catcher because nobody really knows how to play it. It looks really painful but I do want to throw runners out. I am 5-11, 180.
Peter, playing catcher can be cool but it REALLY isn't for everyone. I hate to be so blunt, but you asked, if your back up position is 3B you likely aren't suited to be a catcher. 3B is where you put your BIG guy who doesn't move very well.
I am going to be "blunt" as well. This couldn't be more untrue. 3B may be a step or two slower than short/2b, but they still need to be quick and agile (and hostile at the plate).
I will agree that catches should be reasonably athletic.
Yes play catcher. All the stuff mentioned will be expected as you get older (hitting, framing, blocking, leadership). The easy disqualifier as you move up in the game, is how hard can you throw to 2b and how much power can you generate at the plate. Velocity rules.
Thank you all for your time. I am going to work it out with my coach this weekend. What do I need just to get started?
RJM posted:Run into a couple of walls. Have your friends throw rocks at you. If you enjoy it, sure, catch.
Actually, it's a valuable position very few play well. If you can block pitches, throw out runners and lead it's usually the fastest way to the varsity. If it's your only position you better be the best in case someone shows up who excels.
My son loved catching through his preteen years. He loved being in the middle of the game. By 13u he was playing mostly short. He had tired of the beating. His LL all star team played into August. By the time the season was over his arms were black and blue. The beating affected his swing.
+1 on the fastest way to make V. We carry 2 or 3 catchers on our V team. A primary catcher, a backup catcher and if we carry a 3rd he is a bullpen catcher. The BP catcher normally plays on the Soph team and will be brought up to V if needed. The first one called up for the V team during playoffs is normally the best catcher on the Frosh or Soph team.
I can tell you that over the years our HS team has had a few kids on it who probably would not make the team if they didn't catch. They may not have gotten much playing time as they were the backup or bullpen catcher but they did make the team.
peterwu27 posted:Thank you all for your time. I am going to work it out with my coach this weekend. What do I need just to get started?
Did your coach ask you to play catcher or are you going to approach him about it? If he did not ask you, you need to make sure you take the right approach in asking him. I would not say "nobody really knows how to play <catcher>" when you approach him. This would imply negative feelings towards teammates and could cause you some issues with the coach and team.
I would ask to speak with him after practice. I would say something along the lines of "hey coach, i've been thinking and I would really like to try playing catcher at some point. Do you think its possible?" He will let you know if he thinks its a good idea.
BTW, there is a lot to learn about the C position. Many many things you may have not thought about. Things along the lines of, how to give signals so they can not be stolen, how to properly block a ball down in the dirt. How to pop out of our stance to gun someone down. How to slide after a loose ball, how to setup for certain type of pitches, how to frame a ball, etc.
peterwu27 posted:Thank you all for your time. I am going to work it out with my coach this weekend. What do I need just to get started?
google New England catching camp and catching 101. Jay and Xan have some really good stuff. It is the best way to start. Good luck.
Golfman25 posted:peterwu27 posted:Thank you all for your time. I am going to work it out with my coach this weekend. What do I need just to get started?
google New England catching camp and catching 101. Jay and Xan have some really good stuff. It is the best way to start. Good luck.
Thanks!
joes87 posted:peterwu27 posted:Thank you all for your time. I am going to work it out with my coach this weekend. What do I need just to get started?
Did your coach ask you to play catcher or are you going to approach him about it? If he did not ask you, you need to make sure you take the right approach in asking him. I would not say "nobody really knows how to play <catcher>" when you approach him. This would imply negative feelings towards teammates and could cause you some issues with the coach and team.
I would ask to speak with him after practice. I would say something along the lines of "hey coach, i've been thinking and I would really like to try playing catcher at some point. Do you think its possible?" He will let you know if he thinks its a good idea.
BTW, there is a lot to learn about the C position. Many many things you may have not thought about. Things along the lines of, how to give signals so they can not be stolen, how to properly block a ball down in the dirt. How to pop out of our stance to gun someone down. How to slide after a loose ball, how to setup for certain type of pitches, how to frame a ball, etc.
My coach asked me. Thanks for your tips!
I'm a bit confused by your question. You said that you were thinking about trying out for catcher at the beginning of this post, then you said that you were cut from the team after tryouts. Are you asking if you should learn to catch and try out for catcher next year? Are you saying that the coach will allow you to try out again this year if you try out for catcher? Does your school have Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams?
The catcher's position is physically grueling, mentally demanding, and just plain difficult to master. If your hoping to make the Varsity by converting to catcher, that's really going to be a tall order. Now, if your willing to work your butt off on the Freshman team to learn the position...maybe that's a different story.
The first time you have a pitcher standing 60' 6" from you, a batter swinging a bat in the batter's box right in front of you, your gluteus maximus straining to keep you in position, a plate umpire leaning just inches over you, and a crowd of fans watching your every move; you might just wonder what in the world you got yourself into. That's all before the umpire even yells, "Play Ball !" The catcher's position, as many posts above have said, is not for the faint of heart. It is NOT the easy path to make your varsity baseball team.
With all that said, I hope that your coach offers you the opportunity try to learn the position. It can be very rewarding, when done right. However, it will take a lot of effort to learn the position.
As an aside, you mentioned that you want to throw runners out. Base runners don't steal on the catcher; they steal on the pitcher. If your pitcher does a good job holding runners and is quick to the plate, a good catcher has a shot at gunning most runners. If the pitcher doesn't do his job with runners on base, the best catchers have no shot at preventing stolen bases. That said, if you think of your job as protecting your pitchers and always trying to make them look good, you will help yourself out and help your team. Good luck Pete.
jdb posted:I'm a bit confused by your question. You said that you were thinking about trying out for catcher at the beginning of this post, then you said that you were cut from the team after tryouts. Are you asking if you should learn to catch and try out for catcher next year? Are you saying that the coach will allow you to try out again this year if you try out for catcher? Does your school have Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams?
The catcher's position is physically grueling, mentally demanding, and just plain difficult to master. If your hoping to make the Varsity by converting to catcher, that's really going to be a tall order. Now, if your willing to work your butt off on the Freshman team to learn the position...maybe that's a different story.
The first time you have a pitcher standing 60' 6" from you, a batter swinging a bat in the batter's box right in front of you, your gluteus maximus straining to keep you in position, a plate umpire leaning just inches over you, and a crowd of fans watching your every move; you might just wonder what in the world you got yourself into. That's all before the umpire even yells, "Play Ball !" The catcher's position, as many posts above have said, is not for the faint of heart. It is NOT the easy path to make your varsity baseball team.
With all that said, I hope that your coach offers you the opportunity try to learn the position. It can be very rewarding, when done right. However, it will take a lot of effort to learn the position.
As an aside, you mentioned that you want to throw runners out. Base runners don't steal on the catcher; they steal on the pitcher. If your pitcher does a good job holding runners and is quick to the plate, a good catcher has a shot at gunning most runners. If the pitcher doesn't do his job with runners on base, the best catchers have no shot at preventing stolen bases. That said, if you think of your job as protecting your pitchers and always trying to make them look good, you will help yourself out and help your team. Good luck Pete.
Thanks! I play for a rec league. I tried out for my school which is D1. They had around 60 people trying out for the JV and tons of people got cut including me.
Peter, how is your hitting? The reason I ask is many times the biggest determining factor on who to keep at a specific position comes down to production at the plate. If you are looking for a way to make the HS team next year your best bet maybe to spend time working on your hitting.
joes87 posted:Peter, how is your hitting? The reason I ask is many times the biggest determining factor on who to keep at a specific position comes down to production at the plate. If you are looking for a way to make the HS team next year your best bet maybe to spend time working on your hitting.
I hit around .600 last year give or take. A few homers but I don't know about this year yet. I have consistency in my swing and I do develop power on the way there. I think it can be improved but right now it looks pretty good.
peterwu27 posted:joes87 posted:Peter, how is your hitting? The reason I ask is many times the biggest determining factor on who to keep at a specific position comes down to production at the plate. If you are looking for a way to make the HS team next year your best bet maybe to spend time working on your hitting.
I hit around .600 last year give or take. A few homers but I don't know about this year yet. I have consistency in my swing and I do develop power on the way there. I think it can be improved but right now it looks pretty good.
Peter, are you swinging a drop 3 BBCOR bat? How fast are the pitchers throwing?
CaCO3Girl posted:peterwu27 posted:joes87 posted:Peter, how is your hitting? The reason I ask is many times the biggest determining factor on who to keep at a specific position comes down to production at the plate. If you are looking for a way to make the HS team next year your best bet maybe to spend time working on your hitting.
I hit around .600 last year give or take. A few homers but I don't know about this year yet. I have consistency in my swing and I do develop power on the way there. I think it can be improved but right now it looks pretty good.
Peter, are you swinging a drop 3 BBCOR bat? How fast are the pitchers throwing?
BBCOR -3, 60-70mph
peterwu27 posted:CaCO3Girl posted:peterwu27 posted:joes87 posted:Peter, how is your hitting? The reason I ask is many times the biggest determining factor on who to keep at a specific position comes down to production at the plate. If you are looking for a way to make the HS team next year your best bet maybe to spend time working on your hitting.
I hit around .600 last year give or take. A few homers but I don't know about this year yet. I have consistency in my swing and I do develop power on the way there. I think it can be improved but right now it looks pretty good.
Peter, are you swinging a drop 3 BBCOR bat? How fast are the pitchers throwing?
BBCOR -3, 60-70mph
Do you know how fast the pitchers are pitching on the high school team? Here is where I am going with this. It has been discussed on this board MANY times that not all high school teams are created equal. In order to make Varsity pitching on my son's JV high school team kids have to be throwing around 75+ mph. To make Varsity that number creeps up to 80 being the minimum. I have been told on SOME high school teams the kid throwing 75 would be considered a rock star...but that is not the case at my sons high school.
If you would be facing 75mph at your high school and you only see 60-70 that could cause an issue for you. I'm not meaning to be a downer, but while you may be doing great at 60-70mph pitches your high school may need you to be able to swing at 75+ pitches and succeed.
peterwu27 posted:joes87 posted:Peter, how is your hitting? The reason I ask is many times the biggest determining factor on who to keep at a specific position comes down to production at the plate. If you are looking for a way to make the HS team next year your best bet maybe to spend time working on your hitting.
I hit around .600 last year give or take. A few homers but I don't know about this year yet. I have consistency in my swing and I do develop power on the way there. I think it can be improved but right now it looks pretty good.
Average and number of HRs last year don't really mean much to a HS coach. They do not know what type of competition you have been playing against. They will be looking at your swing and your approach at the plate in tryouts. You need to have a good aggressive swing that says to them I can hit. In addition they need to see an approach that shows you know what you are doing at the plate and will put the ball into play a high percentage of the time.
