What You Need to Know About Professional Baseball Catchers

A professional baseball catcher is the most demanding position on the field. They must be solid and quick while being highly aware of their surroundings.

They must also have excellent knowledge of their teammates’ and opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. This information is crucial for calling pitches and determining their locations.

Position

Professional baseball catcher like Francisco Cervelli is a vital members of every team, and they must be able to catch fast-breaking pitches. However, they also need to know how to handle their pitchers through any stage of uncertainty or struggle.

To be a good catcher, you need to have a strong arm and be able to make quick throws to second base or third base. These throws are essential to keep hitters from stealing bases and also for tag-outs when a runner is on base.

The strain you put on your body as a catcher is one of the most challenging aspects of the job. This position is among the most difficult, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get into it.

The catcher’s stance is crouched down with their feet about shoulder-width apart. They put their mitt between their legs to block pitches that bounce toward home plate (pitches called “in the dirt”). They lean forward when they see a ball on the ground, deadening the rebound and reducing the chance of it hitting them or their body.

Skills

The professional baseball catcher is responsible for catching pitches and making critical decisions on game time. These skills are vital to the catcher’s success and require constant practice.

A catcher must also be able to communicate with their pitcher. For example, they must be able to transmit signals from the coach to the pitcher regarding the pitch type and where to throw it.

It requires patience, communication, and experience. Catchers should spend much time with their pitchers to build trust and understand their needs.

The catcher position has five skill sets: hitting, framing, baserunning, fielding, and defense. But not all of these skills are equally important.

Education

There are no formal educational requirements for becoming a professional baseball catcher. However, many players have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some attend college.

To be a successful catcher, you must have good hand-eye coordination, a substantial body type, and specific baseball skills. These skills can be learned and improved through hard work, dedication, and luck.

Athletes can become professional baseball players by attending a junior college or being drafted by a major league team. However, they must also spend a few years playing minor-league baseball before being called to the majors.

Athletes drafted out of high school are often required to attend junior college before being eligible for the MLB draft. However, they can also transfer to a four-year college and play for several years before being redrafted. Choosing which pathway to take depends on several factors, including your goals, career aspirations, and personal situation.

Experience

To be a professional baseball catcher, you need extensive game experience. It includes catching minor league and college games and working with pitching coaches and players.

Bullpen catchers are essential in helping pitchers practice and fine-tune their skills before stepping onto the field. They also work closely with the coaching staff, ensuring pitchers receive the help they need while on the mound.

They also need to have a strong understanding of what pitches different hitters are comfortable with. It means knowing what speed and type of pitches a batter will likely see on any given day.

This experience can be gained by joining a minor league team or pursuing a sports career as a high school or college athlete. After gaining sufficient experience, you can seek opportunities to work as a bullpen catcher with professional teams. Eventually, you may earn a professional contract with an MLB team.