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Strike Zone Positions - Catcher
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The catcher is the “take charge” person the team. The catcher needs to be able to throw out base runners, block balls; tag runners; fielding bunts, and prevent past balls. The biggest thing for a catcher is to be able to communicate with the pitcher and the defense. The catcher has to know the different tendencies with every pitcher. The catcher has to be the pitchers best friend; he has to remedy any problems that he sees from the pitcher. The ability for the catcher to give confidence to the pitcher is a major factor in the pitchers success. The great catchers today are Ivan Rodriguez, Jorge Posada and Javy Lopez are very skilled catchers for their respective teams.

By understanding the different teams and hitters the catcher is able to select pitches in and out, up and down, fastball or breaking pitch based on the hitters tendencies. Also the catcher is able to position the infielders and outfielders.

If a pitcher has confidence in his catcher then the pitcher won’t be afraid to throw whatever he wants at any time. For example if a pitcher has a good hard breaking curve ball, he will have more confidence to throw it because he knows that the catcher will block it.

Another characteristic of a good catcher is someone who is a tough guy. The catcher needs to have a high tolerance for pain and be able to come back day in and day out.