Archive for October, 2009
The Catcher’s Many Roles
Before Minnesota Twins slugger Joe Mauer redefined expectations for the position, catchers were normally touted for their defense – period. But unlike other position players, the catcher is charged with many disparate tasks. First and most obviously, he must make sure that no ball the pitcher throws gets away from him. Beyond that, he is expected to “call a great game” by helping the pitcher decide whether to throw a fastball, slider, curveball, etc. and at what point in the game.
Finally, the catcher occasionally attempts to throw out a base runner before he can steal second base. Oh, and let’s not forget those desperation throws to the plate when the catcher must snag the ball and block the runner at home. In short, Rawlings catchers mitts see plenty of use in a game situation. While outfielders can afford to stretch and preen during their downtime, a catcher is always having his skills tested.
Picked Off First Base
Several years ago when my son Andy was 12 or 13, he was playing in a Babe Ruth League baseball game. His first at bat, he got a solid base hit to left field. Feeling pretty good about himself, he took his lead off first base. that’s when he noticed a pretty girl sitting in the stands behind home plate.
Have you ever heard a coach say “keep your head in the game?” That day, Andy learned it first hand. Not paying as much attention to the pitcher as he was to the girl, he didn’t notice the quick throw over to first until he heard the snap of the ball smacking into the pocket of one of Rawlings fine first base mitts. “You’re out,” yelled the Ump, and so he was. I don’t think he ever got the girl’s phone number either.
Catchers Mitt
There are a number of varieties of baseball gloves. There are gloves specifically designed for the first basemen, for the infielders, outfielders, pitchers and catchers.
For both the first basemen and catchers, these gloves are called mitts, because they lack individual fingers, like mittens. In addition, the catchers mitt has extra padding and a hinged, claw-like shape that helps them to catch 90+-mile-per-hour fastballs, and provide a good target for pitchers. Sizes of catcher’s mitts, unlike those of other gloves, are measured around the circumference, and they typically have 32- to 34-inch patterns.
In Praise of the Unsung First Baseman
As is the case in any sport, some baseball positions are considered more glamorous than others. Pitchers are the only players who directly affect every play of the game, so it makes sense that they should be celebrated. Center fielders are highlight-reel mainstays thanks to their propensity to make diving catches. Short stops are heralded for their defensive prowess, and the best short stops make challenging double plays look routine.
Other positions, such as first baseman, attract less attention but they are no less critical to a team’s success. When a third baseman or short stop struggles to make an out at first, someone has to be there with a Wilson first base mitt at the ready. Think about all the balls that are plucked out of the dirt by alert, coordinated first basemen. It truly is a defensive position deserving of more acclaim.
Finding that Old Competitive Spark
Back in high school, I really thought I was hot stuff. I played three varsity sports and wore my school jacket around everywhere I went. As much as I enjoyed football and basketball, baseball was my true passion. Lacking in experience and wisdom, I thought I could make a living at it. After washing out of the minor leagues after a few injury-plagued seasons, I went back to school and got a law degree.
I raised a family and couldn’t be more satisfied with my life, but when an associate raised the possibility of joining a bar softball league, I was in it to win it from the word “go.” That old competitive spark hadn’t gone out quite yet. I went online to purchase a few fastpitch softball gloves and began training in the backyard with my son. The whole experience has really brought us together, and now I’m the undisputed star of the bar league.