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.
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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.
