Play at the Plate!
January 2, 2010In my book The Art of Catching I go into the proper catching mechanics and techniques for a play at the plate. Where to set up, peripheral vision/field awareness, how to tag, how to block the plate, when to block the plate, safety, etc.
Before I go any further, you DO have my book, right? You DO know what I’m talking about, correct? What are you waiting for? You don’t have to be a player or coach to have it. Trust me, it’ll enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the game regardless of your relationship to baseball.
O.K. back to the play at the plate thing. I was saying that in the book I give a step by step breakdown of this situation. When I teach the technique for blocking the plate I cite Mike Sciocsia as the man. I always thought that the proper mechanics for this play had it’s beginnings with him. And it may; however, just the other day a buddy of mine sent me a great little clip of Thurman Munson taking the plate away with perfect technique.
The only thing I’d change about Thurman’s play is I’d advise catchers to keep their mask on for safety. Outside of that, this is a great little clip to learn by.
Hey, I just wanted to ask you a question. If you cought a pitcher for a season or two and if one of you guys moved to another team and if you face that pitcher that you used to catch for, would you get a hit? Or does it make it a little easier?
Brent
Hi Brent, yeah I think it was easier hitting a pitcher that I knew and had caught. Not only did I know all of his pitches and how he liked to attack hitters, I also knew him as a person which kinda takes away his mojo/mystery.
That’s what I thought but I just wanted to know for sure. Especially from someone who has gone through all of it. And thanks for answering my question. Brent