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

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

"I don't want to catch!"

or: "I don't feel like catching!"

Especially when you have had the kid before (Class C JV), and the prior experience left several nice marks on you. And yes, there were skip throughs, bounces, you name it. FINALLY, the coach replaces her, and I was able to settle myself in. The other kid, by the way, was totally opposite - caught EVERYthing, played mean defense, including a nicely executed run down, and was chattering away all game - "Ew - I cut my pinky - want to see it?"

Otherwise, the weather has been perfect here the last week - nice, just warm enough to ditch the jackets at day, and deep blue skies - FINALLY! And now ASA is starting up, so time to start the slog!

From MTD, Jr.: "Blue, this is my first time catching."

MTD, Sr.

[Crabby_Bob]

.

[HugoTafurst]

"I had beans for dinner"

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

"I had beans for dinner"

Hugo:

ROFLMAO!

MTD, Sr.

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

"I had beans for dinner"

How about when they DON'T tell you, and you find out the HARD way

or on Sunday mornings, when they still smell like last night's bar

[Andy]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

How about when they DON'T tell you, and you find out the HARD way

or on Sunday mornings, when they still smell like last night's bar

You must have experience with Men's FP.......

[SWFLguy]

It seems at the lower/younger levels of play that the pitcher is someone who can't throw the ball and the catcher is someone who cannot catch. That combination makes for some pretty long/boring games and dings and bruises for the poor soul who is calling ball and strikes.
Worst case, a left-handed catcher. Makes the most solid plate ump cringe. I make it a habit these days to keep my hands behind my knees. I do not care how it looks, it keeps my arthritic fingers from getting worse.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

It seems at the lower/younger levels of play that the pitcher is someone who can't throw the ball and the catcher is someone who cannot catch. That combination makes for some pretty long/boring games and dings and bruises for the poor soul who is calling ball and strikes.
Worst case, a left-handed catcher. Makes the most solid plate ump cringe. I make it a habit these days to keep my hands behind my knees. I do not care how it looks, it keeps my arthritic fingers from getting worse.

Why would you think that looks bad?

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

It seems at the lower/younger levels of play that the pitcher is someone who can't throw the ball and the catcher is someone who cannot catch. That combination makes for some pretty long/boring games and dings and bruises for the poor soul who is calling ball and strikes.
Worst case, a left-handed catcher. Makes the most solid plate ump cringe. I make it a habit these days to keep my hands behind my knees. I do not care how it looks, it keeps my arthritic fingers from getting worse.

On the other hand, when you have a - what NY calls 'modified' game - middle school level, and half the kids on both sides have bags/helmets, etc from various travel teams they are on, they can be some of the fastest and easiest games you can work,

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

From MTD, Jr.: "Blue, this is my first time catching."

MTD, Sr.

Forgot that one.....