One of the most exciting plays in baseball is the play at the plate. When you think of some of the most famous plays in major league baseball, great throws to nail a runner or violent collisions at home plate always show up on the highlight reels. A catcher must always assume a bad throw to the plate.

In their mind they must be ready to move in any direction to catch a thrown ball, or be ready to drop to their knees and block a poorly thrown ball to keep runners from advancing and still giving yourself a chance to pick up the ball and tag out the runner. The catcher must keep the ball in front of them at all cost.

When setting up for a throw to the plate, a catcher should put the foot on the third base line. Their knee should be pointing directly at the runner. If their knee is pointed away from the runner and a collision occurs, there is a greater chance the catcher will be injured. If their knee is pointed at the runner, there is more of a base and less give in the knee.

After catching the ball, the catcher should attempt to tag the runner with both hands; hand on ball, ball in glove. If it appears a collision is going to occur the catcher should lower their center of gravity and stay low. Just like in football, low man usually wins.

After you have tagged out the runner, get out of the way and find any other runners that may be on base. Don't allow yourself to get caught up in the play so much that you lose track of other runners on base. Tag out the runner trying to score and look for the next victim. Wat to throw the baseball. Want to make the next play. Always stay focused on the game.

One important point that must be mentioned is the catcher should leave their mask on. An excuse for taking off the mask is that the catcher feels they can see the ball better without the mask on. With that philosophy the catcher should never wear a mask. If you can catch balls from a pitcher 60 feet away and not have problems seeing the baseball, you should be able to see a throw from the outfield. It is also a safety precaution. If the ball is short and takes a bad hop, an injury to the face and head could occur. Safety comes first. Protect yourself from injury at all times in as many ways possible.

Bullpens

An overlooked area by some coaches and players is a catcher's preparation in the bullpen. For a catcher who will spend most of their day in the pen, this is their game time. This is their opportunity to get better and work on every phase of their game. To do this a catcher must wear full gear in the pen. If you catch with only a mask than how will you get better on blocking balls in the dirt?

You have to go full speed in the bullpen, it helps the pitcher get game ready and makes you better. Time spent in the bullpen is not time to feel sorry for yourself because you're not in the game, but to improve your overall game so that you will be the one behind the plate and your catching partner will spend their days in the pen. Take pride in yourself and your work ethic.

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