The equipment worn by a catcher in baseball have long been known as "the tools of ignorance," and this isn't meant as a slight to social awareness of players at the position. Rather, it's a humorous play on words implying wryly that anyone who would play the position must not be paying attention to how grueling it is. The catcher is arguably the most important player on a baseball team, and also one on whom a lot of physical and mental stress is placed.
Calling Pitches
Though the pitchers gain much of the acclaim with their 90 mph fastball and mind-bending curve balls, the catcher is the brains behind the operation. He calls every pitch based on the situation. He relays the pitch -- whether it be a fastball, curve, change-up or other -- by signaling to the pitcher with his hand. The catcher must always be mindful to keep his signs hidden between his legs, because opposing teams are constantly trying to gain an advantage by intercepting them.
Throwing Out Baserunners
In addition to calling and catching pitches fro the pitcher, a catcher is responsible for keeping opposing baserunners honest. If an opponent is leading too far from his base, the catcher may fire the ball to his teammate at that base in an attempt to catch him off base. In addition, baserunners often try to advance by stealing bases -- or taking off as so as the pitcher begins his motion -- and it's the catcher's job to catch the ball, rise out of his crouch and fire the ball to the next base in one swift motion.
Blocking Pitches
Even the best pitchers misfire several times a game, with pitches often hitting the dirt before they reach the catcher, who is stationed behind home plate. The catcher must quickly drop to his knees and attempt to smother the wayward pitch with his glove, shin guards or chest protector. If the ball gets past the catcher, allowing a baserunner to advance, it's sometimes deemed a passed ball -- which faults the catcher for a mishandled pitch.
Blocking Plate
As if it weren't enough to catch blazing fastball and bending curves, call pitches and smother one-hoppers, a catcher also is expected to block the plate against oncoming baserunners. On plays in which a basrunner is headed toward home plate and a fielder has fired the ball home, the catcher must establish a barrier on the third base-side of the plate and try to block the runner from touching the plate before a tag is applied. This sometimes results in teeth-shaking collisions, and if the catcher drops the ball while being hit, the runner is safe.
Member Comments