What are Catchers for Anyway?

Any coach knows that they can't win without at least decent pitching.

It's the same as a quarterback in football or a goaltender in ice hockey.

So, what are catchers for anyways?

To most people that are not too familiar with the game, their job is to squat down behind the plate, make a target for their pitcher and catch balls. That's it.

Pretty much like bucket dads catching their daughter in pitching practice.

Thankfully, most coaches and players realize that catchers are important to their team's success.

But do you realize how much difference a good catcher can make?

You usually don't know until you have such as a catcher.

Wow! Things are much easier and better when you have a catcher that knows what she/he is doing behind the dish.

Your pitcher is better. Your whole team performs better.

I am sure I am not telling you anything new.

But I wanted to point out how...

"catching is a thankless job!"

It's a tough job and catchers rarely get all the recognition they deserve. Even from their own teammates and coaches.

How often do you work exclusively with your catcher on their individual catching skills such as blocking, framing, fielding balls, recovering passed balls and so on?

Probably not often enough and not long enough.

Most catchers, during practices, catch balls coming in during drills, catch the pitchers when they practice and get involved when the team practices their game situations and defensive strategies like pick-offs or first-and-third situations.

But do they get that same individual attention that pitchers get to work at refining their catching skills?

Probably not as much as it should on most teams.

The reason I'm talking about that is that I have main thing I want to emphasize:

1) We need to have an even greater appreciation for what catchers do and how important they are to us and our success

2) We need to realize that we need to work more on an individual basis with them and need to give them even more recognition for the job the tough thankless job they do.

What's the last time a pitcher throw a perfect game by themselves?

To all the catchers out there... thank you soooo much. You work is really appreciated.

Over the years, I have certainly learned the value of a great catcher.

Make your catchers important and see how much better your pitchers and your team will be.