Baseball is a team sport; no position is more team oriented than the catcher.
Catchers are the only player on the field that can see everything and they control the defense and the game.
But one question that always comes up is, do catchers hit? They do! And in this article we will look at the role of catchers in baseball, their impact on the game and how to improve their hitting.
Catchers
Catcher position and duties
The catcher is the player behind home plate and is responsible for catching the pitcher’s throws, throwing to bases, blocking pitches in the dirt and managing the defense. Catchers have a view of the whole game and can communicate with the pitcher to decide on the pitch and where to throw it.
Catcher’s impact on the game
Catchers are key to a team’s success, especially on defense. They are the only player that can see the whole field and their ability to read the other team is priceless.
Catchers can communicate with the pitcher to adjust the pitch and they can help the team by making big defensive plays like catching pop-ups and blocking wild pitches.
Catcher’s defensive skills
The catcher’s defensive skills are key to a team’s success. Catchers need to have quick reflexes, be able to block balls in the dirt and be fast on their feet. The best catchers can throw out runners trying to steal a base.
Catchers need to communicate with the pitcher, the other infielders and the outfielders to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Catchers’ Hitting in MLB
Catcher’s hitting history
Historically catchers didn’t hit. In the early days of baseball catchers were defensive players and their offense didn’t matter to the team’s success. But as the game has evolved catchers are more involved in the team’s offense.
Catchers’ hitting stats recent years
In recent years catchers have hit much better. Catchers have access to more advanced training and better equipment and that has helped them become better hitters. In 2021 the average for catchers was .229 and the on base percentage was .312.
Here are the 10 best batting catchers from the 2022 MLB Season
| Catcher | Team | Batting Average |
| Buster Posey | San Francisco Giants | 0.329 |
| Yasmani Grandal | Chicago White Sox | 0.277 |
| Willson Contreras | Chicago Cubs | 0.267 |
| J.T. Realmuto | Philadelphia Phillies | 0.261 |
| Salvador Perez | Kansas City Royals | 0.254 |
| Mitch Garver | Minnesota Twins | 0.249 |
| Christian Vazquez | Boston Red Sox | 0.247 |
| Omar Narvaez | Milwaukee Brewers | 0.245 |
| Sean Murphy | Oakland Athletics | 0.244 |
| Carson Kelly | Arizona Diamondbacks | 0.242 |
Catcher’s hitting factors
Several factors can affect a catcher’s hitting. One is the physical demands of the position as catchers need to perform well defensively and maintain their strength and endurance throughout the game.
Another is the catcher’s mindset and mental preparation. Catchers need to stay focused and relaxed even under pressure.
- Sized for adult players
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- Color: Black
How to improve catchers’ hitting
Training for catchers
To hit better catchers can work on their swing mechanics, hand-eye coordination and reaction time. Catchers can also work on their lower body strength which is key to generating power in their swing.
Nutrition and fitness tips for catchers
Eating healthy and being fit is crucial for catchers. Catchers need to maintain their strength and endurance throughout the game and proper nutrition and exercise can help them achieve that. Catchers should eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein, carbs and healthy fats.
Catcher’s mental preparation for hitting is key to their success. Catchers need to stay focused and relaxed even under pressure. They can do that by using visualization, focusing on their breathing and developing a pre-hitting routine.
Catchers can also benefit from working with sports psychologists or mental coaches to develop mental toughness and resilience.
Should Catchers Be Expected to Hit?
Pro and con arguments
There’s a debate among baseball fans whether catchers should hit. Catchers are defensive players and their offense shouldn’t matter to the team’s success. Others say catchers can be good hitters and their hitting should be a factor when selecting a catcher for the team.
Players, coaches and analysts
Players, coaches and analysts have different views on this. Some players and coaches prioritize defense over offense and think a catcher’s ability to manage the game and work with the pitching staff is more important than offense. A catcher’s hitting can be a big factor in the team’s success especially in close games.
FAQs
What is the average batting average for catchers in MLB?
.229 (2021)
Can catchers hit well and be successful?
Yes, catchers are terrible hitters. A catcher’s role is defense; their ability to manage the game and work with the pitching staff is key to the team’s success.
How do catchers communicate with pitchers during the game?
Catchers communicate with pitchers during the game by using signs. They use hand signals to tell the pitcher what pitch and location to throw.
Are there any good hitting catchers?
Yes, there are several good hitting catchers, Johnny Bench, Yogi Berra and Mike Piazza.
Can catchers play other positions?
Catchers can play other positions but it’s rare. Catchers only play their position because of their skill set and perspective on the game.
The Bottom Line
Catchers are important in baseball, both defensively and offensively. Historically catchers were defensive players but their offense has improved a lot in recent years.
Training, nutrition and fitness and mental preparation are ways to improve a catcher’s hitting. The debate on whether catchers should hit is ongoing, players, coaches and analysts have different views.
In the end, a catcher’s ability to manage the game and work with the pitching staff is key to the team’s success and their offense should be considered with their defense.
