The catching position has evolved drastically in recent years, with changes in the way catchers are receiving the baseball being at the forefront. While “sticking” the pitch where it was thrown was once the widely accepted method, this has been replaced by moving the pitch toward the center of the strike zone upon reception. Why?
The basis of this shift lies in the well-evidenced impact that receiving can have on a defense’s ability to prevent runs. Newly developed statistics have revealed that catcher framing (the ability to present pitches in a way that effectuates strike calls from the umpire) has a significantly larger impact on preventing runs than either blocking or throwing do. Further, it has been discovered that catchers who employ more modern techniques of moving the pitch toward the center of the strike zone, if done correctly, bring about more strike calls than those who “stick” the pitch, or catch it and hold it still exactly where they caught it.
These statistics have encouraged the development and popularization of modern receiving techniques. Over the past several years, catchers at the highest levels have continued to adjust and refine their receiving methods in order to increase their effectiveness in gaining more strike calls and, in turn, helping their defense prevent runs.
So, where has this led us?
If you turn on the TV today and watch a Big League baseball game, here are some of the things you’ll see the best catchers in the world doing:
STANCES: Catchers are using stances which put them in a position of leverage over receiving the pitch. Their stances prioritize efficient receiving, while also allowing them to block or throw when the game demands. In most cases nowadays, this means the catcher gets into a one-knee-down stance, allowing him to get lower to the ground and stay below the baseball. Depending on the anticipated shape and location of the pitch, a catcher may adjust his stance, the angle of his body, and/or his posture in order to best prepare himself to effectively receive the incoming pitch.
GLOVE LOAD: In order to take an efficient route to the baseball and move it swiftly toward the center of the strike zone, catchers are employing various types of glove loads. The glove load is the way in which the catcher prepares his glove to catch the ball efficiently. For pitches inside or just around the strike zone, the goal is to catch the pitch with one’s glove moving back toward the center of the strike zone. For example, on a pitch at or just below the bottom of the strike zone, a proper glove load would put one’s glove below the ball, likely on or near the ground, so that he could catch the ball with his glove on its way back up into the zone. For a high pitch, an ideal glove load would allow the catcher to get above the pitch and catch it on the way back down into the strike zone.
MOVING THE BALL: The most successful framers today share some similar traits when it comes to how they receive the baseball: they move the ball a considerable amount, they move the ball fast, and they move the ball consistently. This approach essentially blurs the perspective of what the umpire perceives to be a strike. All pitches in or near the strike zone are caught and swiftly moved toward the center of the zone. Over time, the umpire has a difficult time differentiating between a pitch that crosses one ball on the plate and a pitch that crosses one ball off the plate. This leads to more strike calls, even on pitches that aren’t in the strike zone.
This is a broad overview of modern receiving methods, why they have evolved as they have, and what they look like today. There are far more nuances that could be discussed that are of value. But, these comprise the foundation. What you see today on TV from the best catchers in the world are very intentional techniques with the goal of helping prevent runs and win games. None of it is random, but is based on real evidence and statistics. Catchers looking to be of the utmost value to their team would benefit from learning these methods and applying them.
