Why Good Catchers are Important

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not sure if this pic will transfer, but I was able to capture this shot of our backup catcher saving an obvious WP from my DD last weekend down in Akron. So many times a good catcher will make a save that will prevent an advanced runner or even a run, and it gets taken for granted. Hat's off to all the catchers out there!!!!

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Talk with my dd about this when I can ,typiclly the only time runners advance against her,since she has good arm and transfer but needs to be the complete package.

 

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Things I constantly tell my dd:

Protect the umpire, be nice to them, and do not do anything to tick them off. No matter how professional the umpire is, the umpire appreciates protection and professionalism.

Nothing gets by you! Sure, it's an impossible task but catchers are human and the passionate catchers will give everything they have to keep the ball in front of them.

Len

 

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Sure way to find out how important a good catcher is, is to have one that is just average.

 

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My DD will sit back there and have random conversations with the umpire. She knows every Umpire by first name for every game they have played so far. One game the umpire called timeout to brush off the plate. So my DD gives him a hi-five when he raised his hands. :cap:

 

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Granted, I am biased, but good, hardworking, dedicated catchers truly can make a difference in the game.

I myself did not play softball and did not understand all of the intricacies involved in catching until my DD started taking lessons (Bill Hileman and Kelli Metzger from Maddogs are AWESOME).

I think it is easy to fall into the trap believing that a catcher is someone just squatting back there and catching the pitch. Over the past 3 years I have watched my DD go from being a young player just catching the ball to someone who is continually working hard, trying to become a great catcher. IMO, the difference between a player catching the ball and a true catcher involves many things - hustle, using proper technique in all movements, quick transfer, setting up and framing balls in ways that allow the umpire to "see" the strike (particularly with pitchers that can work corners well), letting nothing by you, leadership, confidence, positive attitude, dedication, working hard....and of course being nice to and protecting the umpires!

Again, I know I am biased, but after discovering all of the things that good catchers have to work hard on, seeing their heart and drive, it has become truly my favorite position to watch now.....even when it's not my DD!

 

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Great catchers make great pitchers look even greater!

 

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I can honestly say that over the last 5 years my daughter's catchers were outstanding and they greatly contributed to her success. She owes then many thanks. In high school she had 2 catchers who have gone on to play in college (Amanda Arendt- Niagara, Notre Dame college and Taylor Muhic- Gannon) Her summer ball catchers included 4 future college catchers( Caylor Arnold- Northwestern, Erika Warren- Kent State, McKenzie Rhodes- Akron, Emily Isla- Malone college). Needless to say she has been quite spoiled when it comes to her catchers. Pitchers should thank their catchers every chance they get.

 

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I agree but catchers should thank their pitchers as well. A good pitcher really saves her catchers legs.

 

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I agree but catchers should thank their pitchers as well. A good pitcher really saves her catchers legs.

Very true...a good pitcher saves their legs, their arms, saves them from extra bruises (though my DD always seems to be proud of her bruises), etc

 

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I am also biased to this but oh well. To have gotten to watch my dd go from an adequate girl behind the plate when she was 9/10...... to now busting her rear end everyday and weekend to try and become better. My dd has caught pitchers from good, to bad, to now what I consider to be a great #1 on her travel team. She says that having a great pitcher makes things easier on her knees, legs, back and attitude. I salute catchers who work hard , and yes a good catcher can make a good pitcher look great with framing. Kissing the umps butt, is a MUST! My dd cleans the plate for the umps now. I also agree that a good pitcher sure helps the girl behind the plate.

 

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My DD will sit back there and have random conversations with the umpire. She knows every Umpire by first name for every game they have played so far. One game the umpire called timeout to brush off the plate. So my DD gives him a hi-five when he raised his hands. :cap:[/QUOT

Shes a great catcher and all around great kid. Wouldnt want any other kid behind the dish. She is a beast and has a bright future, Glad she is on my team.

 

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My DD will sit back there and have random conversations with the umpire. She knows every Umpire by first name for every game they have played so far. One game the umpire called timeout to brush off the plate. So my DD gives him a hi-five when he raised his hands. :cap:[/QUOT

Shes a great catcher and all around great kid. Wouldnt want any other kid behind the dish. She is a beast and has a bright future, Glad she is on my team.

Thanks Jason! She absolutely loves playing for you. Danielle says you better bring her breakfast next weekend.:lmao:

 

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From calling pitches and defenses to working with pitchers and umpires, catchers have a wide range of responsibilities that require intelligence, tact, baseball sense, and above all, leadership. One of the most important qualities for a catcher to posses is the ability to lead. A coach needs to develop a catcher's leadership ability and a catcher needs to accept his role as a leader and work on those skills. My DD catchs every pitcher that asks her for her help. She's offered money all the time for catching pitchers practice session. She learns to command the field by learning how to dissect a pictures weaknesses . She looks for give always. That helps her as a batter. She does strength and conditioning 2 days a week during travel season. That helps with enduring those hot days when other girls fade. She keeps her legs strong to avoid injuries. My DD loves to catch, always wears a smile, never complains, never rolls her eyes, and never makes excuses.Catchers, Talented catchers are a rare breed. If they truely love it, the sky is the limit. I have never seen her efforts go unnoticed or taken for granted. Her coaches are among the best in Ohio. I am very thankful for JS and EW. They have helped make a Field Commander.

 

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OSU_staffer_5 - I am so happy I got a chance to meet your daughter this year! She is a great catcher and a great kid. Her efforts do not go unnoticed. As a mom of a pitcher and a young catcher (baseball), I appreciate all the hard work that catchers do.

 

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Great catcher also covers up weak 3rd baseman who is not aggressive....

 

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I agree with jdcii....a good catcher can make a good pitcher delivery an excellent pitching performance. We've all been there playing against that team that has an outstanding catcher. Blocks everything, preventing you from taking those easy runs. She commands the infield. She takes ownership of all baserunners and keeps them close.
I make reference to the University of Miami in (I think the '80's being called "Quarterback U" because they put so many excellent quarterbacks into the NFL. I have a goal that my team will be "Catcher U".
Coaches, if you are not spending a lot of extra time with your catchers, helping them hone their craft the way pitchers do, then opportunities are being missed.
Great thread and an awesome picture. You can't teach how to deliver effort. That young lady delivered that for you!