Took my son to a local HS game and saw what I believe may be one of the most technically sound young catchers I have seen. Will George of Dripping Springs HS in Dripping Springs, Texas. No, I'm not a relative and I have no interest in the young man other than the fact that I really appreciate good work when I see it.
We sat down and watched the team take some infield and a friend next to me said that the catcher looked pretty good. I was glad to hear that because my boy loves to catch and I like him to see someone doing it well. In my very humble opinion doing it well is an understatement when it comes to this kid.
The first thing I noticed was the way he snapped the ball back to the pitcher after every pitch. Even in warm up pitches there was no mistaking his intention to get the ball back to the mound quickly and in the glove of his pitcher. I thought to myself how nice it must make his pitcher feel knowing that ball was going to come zinging right back to him. It must help a pitcher keep focus when he doesn't have to think abouot going after the throw back. The throw was on a line, every time and he took the time to stand up and make sure he put it in the pitcher's glove. A little thing and I know, but how many actually realize the importance of this.
Next was the throw down. The young mans footwork seemed flawless. I'm gonna get some video at the next game and see just how correct he is, but my guess is there was not much extra movement there. he stayed very low and his throws were on a line and at the bag. Not every time, but close enoough to get the out. He proved it on the first runner in the first inning. The throw was a little off the bag, but the whole process was so quick that the second baseman had time to adjust and was waiting on the runner. What stood out most about his throws to second was that there was no slide motion on the ball. 12-6 rotation every time. I am kind of tuned into this because I work on it with my boy when we throw. It was great for him to see what proper mechanics can accomplish.
His stance was also worth mentioning here. The target was low and he was completely motionless well before the pitch. He was so low and tight that you almost forot he was there. Until he came up and popped the ball bakc into the pitcher's glove. His man on stance was only slightly differnt than his relaxed stance. Still very low and very still, but up off of his calves just a little. I wish I'd had a camera with me. Exact same position every time, only slight adjustments for pitches and batters. Tops of the thighs absolutely horizontal each time. You could tell he had so much confidence in his ability to throw from that position that he did not need to overcompensate to feel like he could get the throw off in time. It was really pretty cool to watch.
I'm not a pro or an instructor, but I am telling you if I was looking for a perfect example at this age I think he might be it. The last thing I want to mention was his attitude. He was all smiles the whole night. Chatting it up with other players and handing out high fives every chance he got. Encouraging his team form behind the plate and leading by example.
Like I said, I don't know this young man. I am not trying to plug him for any reason other than the fact that he put on a good show that I was not expecting and I wanted to share my experience with someone. I guess it's kind of a way to say thanks for giving a dad an great example that he can show to his son who wants to catch. I'm looking forward to the next game. I don't think this was a fluke.
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