I've had the opportunity to coach 3 or 4 very good D-I catchers. Another 4 or 5 were good but either went JUCO or D-II. I've often felt that the masses miss out on the beauty of watching a very skilled player do their work. That, IMO, is because they make it look so easy and are so fluid. I don't post in this forum often and some of you know, I don't have a son but do have a daughter who is a pitcher. Last night, she threw to her varsity catcher and it was my first time to watch this young lady work. She is being recruited at the D-I level for softball and WOW! Little things mean so much in this position. For example, blocking balls in the dirt. If you've seen "hackers" at this position, you've seen a lot of air as they clear their feet and then, like a helicopter, they crash to the surface. This catcher was so smooth and as importantly calm. The chin tucked, the quickness the glove was between the legs, the angles putting the ball back on the plate every time and from all pitches. I was in awe! Yes, I've seen my boys do it. I was never able to just be a spectator and watch someone of this caliber work. Good luck to all those that put on "the tools of ignorance." Nothing could be further from the truth than this statement.

You're so right. A good catcher often barely gets noticed, a poor one stands out like a sore thumb.

So true.Very few people recognize a great game from a catcher.From blocking balls to calling a smart game.It seems like the only time you notice the catcher is when someone steals on him or her,which more often than not is a base stole on the pitcher.

My dad caught and so did I and thus have an appreciation of the position and what it takes.

I can tell you pitchers also greatly appreciate a solid catcher--it makes them better

We make sure our travel team is solid behind the plate because it elevates the teams defense immensely

Coach, you're so right about how great it is to get to watch the best back there. The best catchers really are a joy to watch.

I've had the good fortune to have three of the kids who played with us in previus summers go on to play currently at D1 schools and four more who are catching at jucos, but the best I've ever seen is the kid who'll be our #1 catcher this coming summer. He's an '09, just a junior, but is already commited to Oregon State and will be a legitimate draft prospect next year if he stays healthy and continues to develop. He's 6'2 and 220 very solid, lean pounds. Great defensive skills and a cannon hanging from his right shoulder. At the plate, he's a legitimate #3 or #4 power hitter. The best are a lot of fun to watch, and coach too!