catcher question

[Iluvblue]

So i will repeat this one more time.

A STUD catcher is behind the plate and calling the game. A STUD pitcher (when I say stud, im talking stud at the national level) and we are in playoffs. Said catcher calls some pitches that I am thanking her for in my head as this is happening as we are taking all the way (3rd innng) as my number 9 batter is up. Rise ball... ball one. Rise ball, ball 2. Changeup, ball three. I dont know exact pitches that followed, but this kid walked and scored only run of the game.

if I am calling this game, that hitter sees nothing but drop, drop, drop as a good rise ball is supposed to be a ball, and since we were taking all the way we had a 3-0 count right away. That hitter should have seen NOTHING else but smoke down the middle as she wasnt hitting her with a broom stick.

More things needed to happen than just that 1 walk for us to win, but as the opposing coach looking back on that game, I think the fact the kid was calling the game had a HUGE impact on us winning. That is my perspective on a game in which my kids struck out 17 times and we still won.

I think that was not good pitch calling to a batter that had zero chance of getting a hit, and I just dont see any experienced coach making that mistake to a number 9 batter that was clearly overmatched by the pitcher.

[ontheblack]

So i will repeat this one more time.

A STUD catcher is behind the plate and calling the game. A STUD pitcher (when I say stud, im talking stud at the national level) and we are in playoffs. Said catcher calls some pitches that I am thanking her for in my head as this is happening as we are taking all the way (3rd innng) as my number 9 batter is up. Rise ball... ball one. Rise ball, ball 2. Changeup, ball three. I dont know exact pitches that followed, but this kid walked and scored only run of the game.

if I am calling this game, that hitter sees nothing but drop, drop, drop as a good rise ball is supposed to be a ball, and since we were taking all the way we had a 3-0 count right away. That hitter should have seen NOTHING else but smoke down the middle as she wasnt hitting her with a broom stick.

More things needed to happen than just that 1 walk for us to win, but as the opposing coach looking back on that game, I think the fact the kid was calling the game had a HUGE impact on us winning. That is my perspective on a game in which my kids struck out 17 times and we still won.

I think that was not good pitch calling to a batter that had zero chance of getting a hit, and I just dont see any experienced coach making that mistake to a number 9 batter that was clearly overmatched by the pitcher.

With 17ks already, clearly all of your hitters were overmatched that day, so why would the catcher be expecting your #9 to be taking all the way? She coerced 17 Ks from your team, but makes one mistake. That doesnt prove your point.

I have seen a few experienced coaches lose a close game because of pitch calling. A few instances at Premier come to mind immediately.

[Iluvblue]

well I dont think she had 17ks in the 3rd inning when the kid in the 9 spot lead off the inning.

And I didnt mean to imply she would think we were taking, but you dont start the number 9 batter off with 2 straight rise balls after falling behind 1-0 already. And you CERTAINLY dont throw a changeup to a kid that has zero chance of hitting anything else.

And I agree with you about some coaches being no better.

And whether you agree or disagree with me doesnt change the fact that they walked a nine batter and as the coach that was involved in that game, the only reason that kid walked was because of the pitches that were called. You dont throw rise balls and changeups to a kid that cant hit the other stuff.

Lets just say i was happy that the other team thought as many of you and allowed the kid to call the game.

[ontheblack]

I missed the 3rd inning part. Good point. However not all 9 hitters are weak. Many teams load a slapper in that spot.

And just as not all coaches are good at calling pitches, not every catcher has a head for calling a game. Same goes for pitchers. Some are more like Meat in Bull Durham. They need to be told what to do and then just do what they do best and pitch.

[Iluvblue]

Actually, I dont think our 9 hitter was "weak." She was just facing a pitcher that was ELITE and clearly out of her league:)

[Battle]

Actually, I dont think our 9 hitter was "weak." She was just facing a pitcher that was ELITE and clearly out of her league:)

Have you ever lost a game where the other team's catcher was calling the pitches?

[bulldog21]

Example:

Team up 4-3 in B7. Runner on 1st, 2 out. Batter hits a walk off 2 run bomb!

I would rather have the the ballpark second guessing me, not second guessing the catcher.

[Old Darter]

ILB - So if a kid hits one home run against your team, will you NEVER pitch to her again? Or will you just be more cautious next time? And are you sure the opposing pitcher was throwing the pitches the catcher was calling for that batter?

[catchers_rock]

Thank you all for your impute. I can agree with most of you that is an asset to the catcher. And I would not feel comfortable just throwing her in and say "it’s on you kid" . But I would like my Player to know how to do it. I think it also helps them understand the game better. If they know why the coach is doing something , they are more likely to do as they are taught

[Don'thavealife]

Just an FYI. Spoke with 7 High Profile Colleges this past weekend at the October Showcase. 5 of the 7 believe that it is important for Catchers to know how to or understand the dynamics of calling a game. They are amazed at how many catchers out there have no idea on how to call a game or what to look for. They stated that they have to spend alot of time "teaching" them this skill level. Now, like I said this is 5 of the 7. The other 2, the Pitching coach will call the game entirely. Arguments again for both sides.