The catching position has undergone some pretty drastic changes over the past decade. When you turn on the TV today and watch the Big Leaguers behind the plate, you’re watching almost an entirely different skillset on display than if you were to watch a game from 10 years ago. This has not been an arbitrary evolution, but a very intentional evolution based on real statistics on how a catcher can be most valuable to his team.
At the professional level, without getting too technical, very particular statistics have been developed which track a catcher’s value based on his ability to receive (catch and present pitches in a way which effectuates more strike calls), block (keep pitches thrown in the dirt close enough so as to prevent runners from advancing), and throw (prevent runners trying to steal), among other things. These statistics have led to developments in catching methods which include the utilization of different stances, new receiving techniques, a change in catchers’ priorities, and other things you may or may not have noticed in watching the modern catcher.
Because these statistics are not able to be properly tracked at the lower levels and because there is a lack of widespread understanding as to why these methods are being utilized so prevalently at the higher levels, there is a disconnect amongst the various echelons of baseball, from youth up to professional. At the pro level, and even the higher college levels, the aforementioned data can be tracked and there is a sufficient understanding as to how catchers can most efficiently succeed at their position. At the lower levels (youth, high school, and even many colleges), insufficient resources are available to properly track the data that really indicates a catcher’s value to his team. Hence, there is not an immediate reason seen as to why catchers should be catching on one knee, moving the ball, or doing these other things that are being done at the highest levels. That does not change, however, the fact that certain methods of catching have proven to be more effective. Just because it isn’t tracked, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an impact.
Fortunately, there are lots of coaches and players at the lower levels who have taken it upon themselves to gain an understanding of these modern catching methods, whether from their own research or simply in observing how the best do things. Kudos to them, as they are improving the careers and lives of catchers at the various levels by equipping them with the proper information and guiding them toward a higher standard of competence behind the plate.
Unfortunately, through my experience both as a player and a coach, these coaches are few and far between, and the proper information and training are not as accessible as they ought to be. This is a major disservice to young catchers, many of whom show up eager to learn and yet aren’t provided the right information, eager to work yet not granted sufficient training opportunities, eager to perform yet not equipped with the skills to do so.
Catching is a hard job. It is not for the faint of heart. It is especially difficult when done without proper training. But, there are solutions. There are methods that enable one to gain true competence in the skills of the position and with those achieve real success and make worthy contributions to his team. It’s this kind of competence that breeds confidence and can change a kid’s life.
That’s why we built Backstop Bandits: to help catchers at all levels become competent in the skills of their position by making the right information accessible and providing an environment for catchers to develop those skills. Anyone willing to put the gear on deserves that opportunity.
