The five words you never want to hear when working the plate

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I did my first 12U rec ball game of the year a couple of nights ago. Mind you, I've already worked about 25 HS varsity, JuCo, and D1 games so far, and I've taken a couple of hits off my forearm and thigh, but nothing too painful.

In the first inning of the 12U game, the catcher didn't even get a whiff of leather on the pitch and it nailed me on the right hand, splitting my fingernail and busting up a couple of knuckles. I worked the rest of the game with my hands behind me, and was dodging and weaving pitches to keep from getting hit more than the dozen or so times I did get nailed. I walked away from that two-hour "game" so disgusted with life, I wanted to throw my gear in the dumpster on the way to my Jeep.

Amazing how intolerant I'm getting as I grow older...

Which stance do you use? My hands/fingers are never exposed on a pitch unless I simply screw up and start to make a call too quickly. (Well ... the very tip of my thumb is barely exposed, I suppose)

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Which stance do you use?

First thought that went through my mind.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Which stance do you use?

Heel-to-toe in the slot, elbows locked into my body, hands loose between my legs near the groin area.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Heel-to-toe in the slot, elbows locked into my body, hands loose between my legs near the groin area.

The lower your hands are, the more likely to be hit, as the most frequent misses by catchers are in the dirt.
Mine are belt high, usually that means near the catcher's left arm & mitt, even though centered in the slot.

[Gulf Coast Blue]

This is my first time catching. I know that is six words....but still.

Had this happen in a 14U game.

Damned if this girl wasn't a gamer though.....she did as well as some veterans at her age. I had seen her several times before as a middle infielder.

She let a couple get by her....but was as good as most seasoned catchers and she was a joy to work behind. Never a bad thing to say. She was just happy to be on the field. And if I remember correctly, she could hit to the right side and run like the wind.

I have had some shitty catchers in my day. This girl was not one of them.

Joel