So You Want to be a Catcher, Part 1

You could have been an Infielder, or an Outfielder, or even a Pitcher, but no, you decided to be a Catcher.  You must really be a glutton for punishment!

You have to wear the “Tools of Ignorance;” a mask & helmet, a padded chest protector, shin guards that protect your legs, and a cup.  In spite of all that body armor, you’ll still get hit by pitches and foul tips, and you’ll feel it.  It hurts.  But you can’t show it.

Got strong legs? You better; you’ll be up & down constantly getting in and out of your crouch on every pitch.  It’s tiring.  Hope you can save enough energy to hit, and run around the bases too.

Ready to pounce on a bunt, or run down a pop-up behind home plate?  All of that protective equipment gets heavy, and it’s hot.  The mask clamps your jaw shut making it hard to talk and to breathe.  How’s you arm?  Can you stand up and snap-throw the ball to 2nd base?

Okay, that covers the 25% of the job that is Physical; the other 75% is Mental.  Can you keep track of the game in your head?  How many balls & strikes, how many outs, and what inning is it?  How’s your situational awareness?  Everyone is counting on you.

Can you manage your pitching staff?  Every pitcher is different; what pitches are working today, and which one’s aren’t?  Do you know which pitch to call and where to place your catcher’s mitt as a target?  Where is the batter standing in the batter’s box, and what did he hit or miss the last time at the plate?  Think fast!

Hope you’re not looking for glory.  If you play your position perfectly, you’re invisible.  But make a mistake, & everyone knows it was your fault.

I was a Catcher for four years in high school.  It was very demanding both physically and mentally, and I absolutely loved it.

Okay sports fans, stay tuned for more to follow in So You Want to be a Catcher, Part 2.

Labels: Sports, Thoughts