Today’s Tip: A Catcher’s Body Language
August 13, 2010
My trying to project strong body language even in the powder blue KC uniform.
Here’s another catching tip…
Once in a while during a game I’ll notice a catcher acting inappropriately. Let me present a situation which happened the other day and I’ll explain. It was the first game of the season and the pitcher was obviously nervous. The poor kid was all over the place, bouncing some pitches and air mailing others. He was trying, but really struggling.
Meanwhile, the catcher was throwing attitude. Judging by his body language, he seemed sort of annoyed. Like the pitcher was inconveniencing him by making him chase the ball around a bit. Whether the catcher actually felt that way or not was irrelevant. It’s how I saw it. And if interpreted it that way, do you think it might be possible that a college or pro scout might too?
Simply put, your body language is VERY important. People are always evaluating and trying to make judgements on your attitude. Many times, these snap judgements are based on how you look. Most folks just don’t have time to get to know you as a person. It’s along the same vein as wearing your uniform correctly. The point is, don’t give anyone an excuse to write you off.
And the reality is this. As a catcher, you’re there to help. You are there to be of service to the guy on the mound and make his life easier. Not the other way around. You’re the focal point of the field and need to lead. A lot of good leadership can come without words, just by your body language.
Honestly, I loved it when a pitcher was struggling. While I obviously felt bad for the guy, what a golden opportunity. It’s a chance to show off my range and blocking abilities. Plus, helping a pitcher out of a bind builds trust and that strong, intangible pitcher/catcher relationship.
Till next week, good luck, have fun, and keep your eye on the ball…
Brent: Another fine piece on your theme of the subtleties of leadership. Well done.
Love the cutline (photo caption), too, although I imagine the Royals front office would prefer to describe the uniforms as “royal,” not “powder,” blue. (Was there ever any discussion of this in the clubhouse?) It also makes me wonder how the White Sox of the ’70s felt about playing in shorts.
Best, Brett
I was just discussing this with our son, while watching Tiger play the PGA championship this weekend.
His body language was one of annoyance, maybe at himself and rightfully so. It made me think that his body language and attitude has had something to do with his level of play recently. Don’t you think there is a connection to right body language, right attitude and being successful?
Ciao~
hill
Awesome information! I have been trying to express that exact information to my son for the past 8 years or more. He is an outstanding catcher!! however, his body language does not always look to be positive and energetic. Usually its hanging his head and looking beat even if they are winning. In my eyes, and as you have stated so greatly, the pro scouts or college scouts,, he is not showing that he is taking control of the game and comand of the plate. His performance however is so the opposite, he is picking guys off at first base, throwing guys out at second for leading off to far but then the head drops and he sonders back to the plate….CATCHERS! you guys are the heart of the team, seen at every pitch, are part of every play, are instramental in being able to turn a game around with an outstanding block or pic off. Be proud, play proud, stand tall and take comand of the plate. We will not always win every game but if someone just got to the game they should not know you are loosing because of our attitude before looking at the scoreboard.
Thank you Brent. Another great topic……
Absolutely Hill. I’ve noticed that same thing about Tiger…mostly when he plays the Masters. That place seems to bring out the worst in him. Anyway, Tiger can probably act however he’d like on the course. Not Noah though because one, it looks bad and two, it’s not productive. Who knows, maybe someone ought to tell Tiger to clean up his act (on the course.) Maybe he’s lost sight of the importance of the body language / performance connection. Who though, now that his father has past?
As with all of your tips, great info. I have worked with kids for 25 years and passed along much of this info; it is powerful when someone who has seen the top of the game passes it along. You have made a great impact with the young men I work with and I applaud you and your efforts. Success starts with the “little things”.