While watching a baseball game on the big screen, the sports announcers commented twice on how former MLB catchers make the best MLB managers, but they never explained why. Want to know why?
Obviously the manager of a MLB team is quite important or else there wouldn't be such a stink about why it's the manager's fault the team is losing, or the media scrutinizing the candidates for a newly opened manager's position.
However, a manager can only assign tasks for his players to perform, save the game, get a hit, steal a base, etc. Should the players not perform as desired, the manager appeared stupid. But we're getting off track. Let's look at what a MLB catcher.
The regular starting, back up and/or bull pen catcher must know everything about every pitcher on the staff, and I mean everything.
A. What types of pitches does he throw...
B. What does he consider his go to pitch(s) is when in a crucial situation...
C. What pitch do you consider is his go to pitch, which often conflicts with the pitcher...
D. Does he like to work the plate on the outside part, low in the zone, afraid to throw inside...
E. What is the pitcher's physics? Some are very non-emotional where others are bouncing around the mound. Others appear calm, but are churning inside...
These are but a sample of the issues the catcher must know about every pitching staff, perhaps 12 to 14 and changing regularly due to injury or a trade. That's a lot to memorize while trying to sharpen your own game, but that's only the tip of the iceberg.
Prior to playing a series with a new opponent, the catcher must analyze hundreds of charts and advance scouting reports on every player on the opposing team. This is often done at midnight on the plane ride from one city to another. He must memorize...
A. Every weakness and/or strength of every opposing hitter. He must know if the hitter is a sucker for a curveball or crushes inside fastballs...
B. Is the hitter mired in a slump or riding a hot streak where it's nearly impossible to get him out...
C. How does he hit your starting pitcher? Some hitters own a pitcher no matter how good he is, that same hitter can't buy a hit off a different pitcher. This is extremely important...
D. Where is the player hitting the ball? Players will get in a groove or be intentionally, for whatever reason, trying to hit the ball to a certain field.
E. What's the player's speed and is he aggressive on the base paths.
Once again, this is not an all inclusive list and remember this must be done every 3rd or 4th day upon the completion of a series.
In summation, the catcher must know every possible bit, of ever changing information, on every opposing player in baseball with inter-league play, his pitching staff and his team mates.
Is there an wonder why a former catcher makes the best MLB managers?
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player and member of "Baseball Coaches of America" shares his advice on baseball coaching baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com/
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