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UWF CATCHERS
Having two good catchers is almost a necessity with today's long seasons. It's a brutal job at times. Runners want to dislodge you from the ball. Even with the invention of a device called the knee saver, your knees take a beating. Both injured knees ache so no one knows you're limping. Foul tips can hurt and a barely intercepted fastball to the mask is an experience you won't appreciate. You have to call the pitches with both a scouting report and the situation in mind. You're the coach on the field to help position players. You throw the ball almost as many times as your pitcher, but your throws use the more destructive overhand motion. No one notices that you're running down the line to back up the first baseman on ground balls. You block balls in the dirt with whatever part of your body you can get in the way. Everyone understands when a line drive gets by your third baseman, but they groan when an even faster pitch gets by you. You have to mix up the signs so hitters aren't tipped off by base runners. You're the one who looks bad when your pitcher gets confused with the signs and crosses you up with the wrong pitch. You have to pamper the pitchers and build their confidence. Foul pop-ups curve sharply toward the infield while you're navigating your way around dugouts, screens and the bat the hitter discarded. And the coach glares at you when nothing is working. Welcome to catching. |
KRISTEE WHEELER
KAT SHEPPARD
