DJ's Baseball Blog

Many beginning pitchers believe that they need to be able to throw a lot of pitches, or at least a curve ball, in order to be effective.   That is simply not the case.  It is possible to be very effective with just knowing 2 or 3 pitches, even without a curve ball.  In fact, throwing a curve ball at a young age can be damaging to the arm.  All you need to throw are fastballs (2-seam and/or 4-seam) and a change-up.  The key is to change speeds and locations.  If a pitcher can keep the hitter off balance, that pitcher will be successful.

The first pitch that should be learned is a fastball.  There are two common types of fastballs: a 2-seam fastball and a 4-seam fastball.  The 4-seam fastball is usually taught first because it has a straight trajectory.  The pitcher holds the ball with the index finger, middle finger, and thumb.  The index finger and middle finger are perpendicular to the seams where the seams are the closest.  This causes both of the fingers to touch two of the seams, so there are four places where the fingers connect with the seams.  That is why it is called a 4-seam fastball.  It is thrown hard and straight.

Once the pitcher can throw the 4-seamer, it is time to learn the 2-seamer.  It is held in a similar fashion, except that the fingers are parallel to the seams.  This means that one finger is on one seam and the other is on another seam.  Therefore, there are two contact lines, giving it the name 2-seam fastball.  This gives the ball a different spin which causes it to move a little bit from left to right.  It does not have very much motion compared to a curve ball, but it is different than the 4-seam fastball.  That difference is something that the batter has to consider when swinging.

The third pitch is a change-up.  This pitch is thrown with the same arm movement and arm speed, but the ball speed is significantly slower.  This disrupts the hitter’s timing, causing them to swing early.  There are many ways to hold the ball to get this effect.  The most effective way for a young pitcher or one with small hands is to use three fingers instead of two.  A good change-up will look like a fastball coming out of the pitcher’s hand, only to arrive at the plate a split second later than expected.

You may be asking, “Why not a curve ball?”  Well, at this point, it is more important for a pitcher to learn how to pitch and how to throw strikes.  They will need to improve their mechanics and build their strength and velocity.  Also, for younger pitchers, it can wreak havoc on their arms, causing injuries that could otherwise be avoided and may even be permanent.  Once a pitcher has mastered the fastball and change-up, curve balls can be added.  But for now, these three pitches should be sufficient.

The pitcher will need to be able to throw all three of these pitches where they want to.  Being able to pitch inside, outside, high, and low at any time will keep the hitter guessing.  Mixing all three pitches without becoming predictable will also make it hard for the hitter.  The secret of pitching is not letting the batter know where the ball will be next or how fast it is coming.  These three pitches, along with practice, will help any pitcher be successful.

This is my second article about what a Little League catcher needs to practice.  If you have not read the first article, please go to What Should An 8 Year Old Practice To Play Catcher In Little League? before continuing.  Once they have mastered those concepts, they will be ready to move on.  At this age, it is important to work on the footwork, as that will help them with everything else they will learn.  Then they should work on blocking more pitches, including those that are to their left and right.  Another new element for them in this age division is the fact that the runners can run, either stealing bases or advancing when a catcher cannot handle a pitch.  This gives the catcher an opportunity to throw more runners out.  Finally, the catchers will need to work on making plays when the ball is hit.

A catcher’s footwork is essential to their success.  A catcher who has good feet can get to more wild pitches, throw more runners out, and get to more balls in time to make the out.  This footwork starts with the squat.  The feet should be about shoulder width apart.  The catcher should be on their toes and balanced both left/right and front/back.  Now the catcher is in a good solid starting position for any movement they will need to make.

The first footwork drill that they should master is a small hop to the left and right.  They should try to move an entire body width without standing up.  The goal is to move quickly to one side or the other and stay low enough to block a ball in the dirt.  It is important to be able to do this without crossing one leg behind the other, which would cause the catcher to trip or stumble.

Then next footwork drill is going from a squat to a throwing position.  This involves going from a squat where the feet are to the left and right to standing with the right foot behind and the left foot in front.  Most of the catcher’s weight should be on their right foot, ready to step forward with the left to complete the throw.  It is very important to be able to do this quickly.  The quicker the catcher can be in a throwing position, the more runners they will be able to throw out.

Now that the catcher’s footwork is getting better, they are ready for some more difficult pitches to block.  The balls should be thrown just off the plate where it will bounce before it gets to the catcher.  The catcher will need to hop to the side and then block the pitch.  They will need to concentrate on staying low and keeping their glove down and between their legs.  When done right, the catcher will end up in the same position they do when the pitch is in the dirt over the plate.

The next step for catchers is to be able to throw to the bases.  We will not worry about first base now, as that is not a throw that many catcher’s make.  The most common base for a catcher to throw to is to second base.  Throwing to second involves the footwork that we already worked on.  The catcher needs to hop straight up, with the feet moving into throwing position.  From this position, the catcher should be able to get a strong throw off.  They should work on strong accurate throws.  The throw needs to go to second base and not the fielder, as the fielder is usually moving when the throw is made.

The other common throw for a catcher is to third base.  If there is a left-handed batter, the throw is relatively easy, as the catcher can just stand up and step towards third base.  However, if there is a right-handed batter, the batter is in the way.  In this case, the catcher needs to move to the left in order to clear the batter.  Once that is done, the catcher should be able to throw to third.  Once again, it is important to throw to the base and not to the  fielder.

So far, the catchers have been working on what happens when a pitch gets to them.  Now let’s look at what happens when the batter makes contact.  There are three main plays that a catcher needs to practice.  The first is a foul popup.  Then they should practice covering bunts.  And finally, they need to learn about covering home during a close play at the plate.
Foul popups are very tricky, especially the ones directly behind the plate.  They tend to move back towards the field.  The best way for a catcher to field these is to turn around and try to keep the ball in front of them.  If the catcher over runs the ball, they will be forced to back peddle in order to catch the ball.  It will take a while to get used to just how far the ball will drift.  On top of that, it is hard to replicate the movement during drills.  The drifting comes from how the bat hits the ball when it is pitched.

Bunt coverage is another important aspect of catching.  Catchers need to be able to pounce on the ball and deliver a strong throw to first base.  The best way to do this is not to run straight to the ball, but rather take a route where the catcher is going towards first base when they get to the ball.  That way, when the catcher picks up the ball, all of their momentum is heading towards where they are throwing.

One of the most dangerous plays for a catcher is a close play at the plate.  It is very important to be in the proper position during this play.  The catcher should be in front of the plate while waiting for the throw.  This gives the runner the whole plate to aim for and they will not have to make contact in order to score.  Once the catcher has caught the ball, they should start moving to block the plate so they can apply the tag before the runner scores.  It is very important that the catcher has their feet on the ground when they do, just in case the runner runs into them.  That way, the catcher would fall backwards, but their feet will not be caught under them.  Even though running into catchers is not allowed at this level, it will happen.  If the catcher blocks the plate properly, the runner will not see any of the plate.  And if the catcher blocks the plate late, the runner may not have time to change what they were going to do.

So to sum up, 10 year old catchers need to work on three groups of drills.  The first is footwork, which the other two build on.  The second is making throws to second base and third base.  The last group is making plays when the ball is hit, including foul popups, bunts, and close plays at the plate.  A 10 year old catcher that can do all of these things will be a standout catcher for years to come.

Coaches and parents alike can sometimes feel overwhelmed teaching young catchers to play their position.  But there are some simple basic steps you can take with them to establish good conditioning early on.  A young catcher should really be focusing on four main things to begin with.  Firstly, the catcher should practice the squat.  Then, they need to get used to moving in their equipment.  Finally, they need to practice catching when a batter is swinging the bat and blocking balls in the dirt.

The first thing the child needs to learn is the squat. The feet should be about shoulder width apart. Their weight should be equally distributed between each foot and they should be up on their toes. When a catcher is in their squat, their center of gravity should be low, providing stability. A catcher needs to become comfortable in this position.  When squatting behind the plate, the glove should be out in front the catcher, giving the pitcher a big target.  The other hand should be behind the back.

Next, the catcher will need to become familiar with the catcher’s equipment. It is important to be able to get the gear on and off quickly. The shin guards are the most complex. The lower straps should cross in the back, with the lower strap connecting to the middle D-ring and the middle strap connecting to the lower D-Ring. The straps should cross above the calf, which will keep the shin guard in place. The top strap (or straps) do not cross.

The chest protector is relatively simple.  Usually, everything except the waist strap is left connected.  This way, it can be easily put on by putting one arm in and lifting it over the head.  Then the waist strap is connected.  At this age, the helmet and face mask should be one piece.  The fit should be snug but not tight.  The catcher needs to be able to get the mask off quickly without causing pain.  The shin guards should stay on unless the catcher is batting, because they take the longest to put on.  Also, the catcher should get used to walking and running with the shin guards on.

Now that the catcher can squat and is getting comfortable with the equipment it is time to get used to having somebody swing a bat while they catch the ball.  This can be difficult to get used to.  It is very intimidating trying to catch a ball while somebody is swinging a bat right above your head.  It is helpful to start with a coach swinging the bat, trying not to hit the ball.  Then, when the catcher is used to that, have an actual batter try to hit the ball.  Be aware, this may produce some bumps and bruises if the batter foul tips the ball.

Finally, it is very important to learn how to block a pitch in the dirt.  Start with a pitch that is over the plate that bounces before it gets to the catcher.  The proper way to block this is for the catcher to go down on their knees, with their knees spread, and put the glove and the other hand down between the legs, and lean forward slightly.  The goal is to keep the ball from bouncing away from the catcher.  If the catcher is in the proper position, the ball will bounce off the ground, hit the catcher, and end up in front of the catcher.

And there you have it.  These are the things that young catchers should learn and practice.  First, of course, is the squat.  Everything that a catcher does starts with the squat.  Then a catcher should get used to the equipment that is needed.  Once the catcher is used to the equipment, they should catch while a batter is swinging the bat.  The last thing I usually teach at this age is blocking balls in the dirt.   A catcher that learns these four things early will have very solid fundamentals with which to build upon as they get older.

Catcher is the best position on the baseball field.  Catchers are in command of the defense.  They are the ones that work with the pitchers.  Catchers keep runners from taking extra bases.  They also have a keen understanding of the game.

Catchers are in command of the defense.  They are the only players that have a view of the entire field in front of them.  They can see all of the runners, all of the defenders, and the ball.  This view helps the catcher direct where to throw the ball.

Catchers work with the pitchers.  They are the ones that call the pitches.  They decide what pitches have been working, which ones will work against this hitter, and what location the pitcher should aim for.  Catchers keep the pitchers in the zone.  When the pitcher needs a breather, the catcher goes out to the mound to talk to the pitcher.  A good catcher can bring out the best in a pitcher.

Catchers keep runners from taking extra bases.  They do this in many ways.  First of all, on a base hit, the catcher calls for the fielder to throw to certain bases in order to keep runners from advancing.  Once a runner is on, the catcher blocks bad pitches and keeps the ball in front of them, thus keeping the runner from taking another base.  And finally, the catcher throws out runners attempting to steal bases.  All of these things make it harder for the opponent to score.

Catchers have a very good understanding of the game.  They know the different game situations and how to handle them. They know where the defense should play against different hitters in different situations.  Catchers understand the strengths and weaknesses of their pitchers, their defense, and the other team’s hitters.  They use this understanding to create opportunities for their team.  Because of this understanding, many catchers make good managers after their career is over.

So there you have it. Catcher is the best position to play. They are the captain of the defense.  Catchers work with the pitchers to bring out the best in them.  They keep runners from taking extra bases, which makes it harder for the other team to score.  And they use their knowledge of the game to help their team win ball games.

If you are a catcher, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Yogi Berra, Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk, Ted Simmons, Gary Carter, Tony Peña, Ivan Rodriguez, the Molina brothers (Bengie, Jose, and Yadier), Jonathan Lucroy, Buster Posey, and Joe Mauer.

Here are some former catchers who managed in the Major Leagues: Bruce Bochy, Bob Boone, Yogi Berra, Ned Yost, Joe Girardi, Mike Scioscia, Joe Torre, Mike Matheny, Joe Madden, and Jim Leyland.  All four of the managers of the 2012 Championship series (Bochy, Girardi, Leyland, Matheny) were catchers.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.

Shortstop is the best position on the baseball field.  Shortstops are the captains of the infield.  They make some of the more spectacular plays.  Shortstops have a large range and a strong arm.   They are also involved in double plays.

Shortstops are the captain of the infield.  They make sure the other infielders are aware of the situation.  Shortstops communicate with the second baseman about who is going to cover the base on a stolen base or a double play started by the pitcher.

Shortstops often make spectacular plays.  On a play to their right, they have to get to the ball and turn around to throw all the way across the field.  Also, with all of the ground that they cover, there are many plays in which they run and/or dive, then have to throw quickly for a close play at first base.

Shortstops have very strong arms.  Because they are positioned on the left side of the infield and they play further from the hitter than the third baseman, they have less time to get the throw off to first base.  On balls hit to their right, they have to throw in the opposite direction of their momentum.  Since they can’t use their body on these throws, it is done mainly with arm strength.

Shortstops are involved in many double plays.  Their quickness and arm strength are crucial in turning the double play.  Good shortstops will kill many rallies by turning a double play.

So there you have it. Shortstop is the best position to play. They are the captain of the infield.  Shortstops have a large range and use their strong arms to make some spectacular plays.  And they are critical in turning the double play.

If you are a shortstop, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Pee Wee Reese, Phil Rizzuto, Honus Wagner, Dave Concepción,  Ozzie Smith, Robin Yount, Cal Ripken Jr., Alex Rodriquez, Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and Jose Reyes.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.

Third base is the best position on the baseball field.  Third basemen are key to a defense because most hitters are right handed.  They are often the closest infielder to the batter.   Third basemen need a strong arm and good reflexes.  They also need to be able to field bunts.

Third base is also known as the Hot Corner.  The reason for this is that most hitters are right handed and good hitters tend to pull the ball.  This means that the third baseman is going to be getting a lot of hard ground balls hit their way.  A good third baseman will take a hard hit ball and turn it in to an out.

Another reason for that nickname is that the third baseman is normally the closest infielder to the hitter.  Because of that, the they have a shorter amount of time to react to the ball.  This makes every pitch exciting with the possibility of a quick play coming their way.

Third basemen need a strong arm and good reflexes.  Most of their throws go all the way across the infield to first base.  A third baseman’s reflexes are essential, as they are relatively close to the hitter and they are reacting to hard hit balls.

A third baseman’s ability to field bunts is very important.  They need to get to the ball quickly and make the throw to get the out.  Bunting is a strategic tool for the offense, and if the third baseman is good at fielding them, the offense is much less likely to use it.  This is a subtle way that a third baseman can affect a game.

So there you have it. Third base is the best position to play. Third basemen are key to a strong defense because right handed hitters outnumber left handers. They have a lot of exciting plays because they are closer to the hitter than the other infielders.  They use a combination of a strong arm and quick reflexes in order to make those plays.  And finally, third basemen are responsible for fielding bunts.

If you are a third baseman, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Ron Santo, Eddie Mathews, Graig Nettles, Brooks Robinson, Mike Schmidt, George Brett, Wade Boggs, Matt Williams, Scott Rolen, and David Wright.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.

Second Base is the best position on the baseball field.  Second basemen need to have a good range.  They also need to have quick hands and quick feet.  Second basemen are vital in turning double plays.  Often, when a runner is stealing second, the second baseman covers the bag.  And they also act as the cutoff man for balls hit to right field or right-center field.

A second baseman needs to have a good range.  They cover between second base and the first baseman.  Most first baseman have a smaller range, mainly because they need to stay close to first base.  Therefore, the second baseman needs to cover just a little more ground.  It helps to have quick reflexes in order to cover that ground.

Second basemen need quick hands and quick feet.  The quick feet allow them to get to more balls.  The quick hands get the ball out of the glove fast which allows the second baseman to get the throw off quickly.  The combination of quick hands and quick feet allows the second baseman to get to more ground balls and make more plays.

Those quick hands and feet also help on a double play.  A second baseman needs to be able to catch a ball, pivot, throw to first, and avoid the runner.  Being able to do that prevents runs and gives the team a better chance to win.  After all, the double play is a pitcher’s best friend.

Second basemen often cover second base on a stolen base attempt.  This is another example of quick hands and feet coming in very handy for a second baseman.  Getting to second base quickly on a stolen base attempt is important because it gives the catcher a better target to throw to.  The quick hands allow the second baseman to catch the throw and apply the tag quickly.

Second basemen are crucial to the cutoff throw.  When a ball is hit to right or right-center field, the second baseman gets between the outfielder and the base they are throwing to.  The idea is to create a shorter throw for the outfielder.  And once again, quick hands and quick feet come in to play.  When the second baseman receives this throw, they need to pivot, transfer the ball from the glove to the throwing hand, and throw an accurate ball to a base in an attempt to get the runner out.

So there you have it. Second base is the best position to play. Second basemen have a good range.  They also have quick hands and quick feet.  They are vital in turning double plays.  They cover second base on stolen base attempts, and they act as the cutoff man for balls hit to right and right-center field.

If you are a second baseman, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Roberto Alomar, Jackie Robinson, Rogers Hornsby, Bill Mazeroski, Joe Morgan, Ryne Sandberg, Jim Gantner, Craig Biggio, Dustin Pedroia, and Rickie Weeks.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.

First Base is the best position on the baseball field.  First basemen are involved in nearly all of the ground ball outs.  They need the ability to catch or block bad throws from the other infielders.  On deep fly balls where a runner could score, they act as the cutoff man to home.  And for left handers, first base is a great position for you.

A first baseman’s primary job is to receive throws from infielders on ground balls, thus completing an out.  Most ground outs end with the first baseman catching the ball.  A very important skill of first basemen is the ability to catch or block bad throws for the other infielders.  A good first baseman helps create outs and prevents runners from advancing.

On a hit to the outfield where a runner might score, the first baseman acts as a cutoff man to home.  This means that the first baseman will line themselves up between the outfielder and the catcher and either make sure the ball gets to the catcher or reroutes the ball to another base to get an out.

Left handers enjoy an advantage at first base.  If there is a need to throw to another base, a left handed first baseman does not need to reposition in order to throw the ball.  Also, when receiving a throw from one of the other infielders, they do not need to turn their back to the infield.

So there you have it. First base is the best position to play.  First basemen are involved on most of the ground balls that are hit.  They block bad throws from the other infielders, keeping runners from taking extra bases.  And left handed first basemen enjoy an advantage over right handers.

If you are a first baseman, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Lou Gehrig, Frank Chance, Orlando Cepeda, Jimmie Foxx, Harmon Killebrew, Willie McCovey, Eddie Murray, Keith Hernandez, Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and Don Mattingly.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.

Center field is the best position on the baseball field.  The center fielder covers the most ground.  To do that, the center fielder needs a lot of speed.  This speed translates very well to offense.  The center fielder is also the captain of the outfielders.

Center fielders cover a lot of ground.  They must patrol center field and both the left-center field and right-center field gaps.  They need to get a good jump on the ball off the bat in order to cover that much ground.  Good center fielders will turn singles into outs and extra-base hits into singles.

A center fielder’s speed is crucial.  It can mean the difference between a great play and a ball in the gap.  They don’t just use their speed on defense either.  On offense, speed can help beat out a ground ball, take an extra base, or steal a base.  All of these things lead to more runs scoring.

On top of their speed and quickness, a center fielder needs a good throwing arm.  They will often be making throws from the gaps to home plate.  These are some of the longer throws on the field.  Because of the combination of speed and strong arm, young center fielders tend to be among the best athletes on their team.

Center fielders also need to be smart.  They are the captains of the outfield.  They help position the other outfielders and communicate with them to avoid collisions.  On a fly ball, if the center fielder calls it, it is their ball.  Everybody else yields to the center fielder.

So there you have it. Center field is the best position to play.  Center fielders get to cover the most ground, using their speed and strong arms to shut down opposing offenses.  They also have speed on the base paths that can create rallies by taking extra bases or stealing a base.  And they are the captains of the outfield.

If you are a center fielder, you are in company with baseball greats such as: Ty Cobb (the all-time batting average king and fourth on the all-time stolen base list), Joe DiMaggio (56 game hitting streak), Hack Wilson (single season record 191 RBIs), Mickey Mantle (20 time all-star and triple crown winner), Willie Mays (24 time all-star), and Robin Yount (most hits in the 1980s).  More recently, center field has been Jim Edmonds, Torii Hunger, Andrew McCutchen, and Mike Trout.

This is part of a series of articles explaining why each position on the baseball field is the best. This series is aimed towards coaches at all levels. It is my belief that every position is important, and they each need players with different strengths.