Most important– Get the most out of your pitcher on that given day
Who is your Pitcher?
- Strength
-What does your pitcher do best?
-Don’t ask him to do something that you don’t think he can do.
- Weakness
-When does he struggle?
-When he makes mistakes what are they.
- Repertoire
-What can he throw for strikes in a tight spot?
-Is there a swing and miss pitch?
- Pitch count
Who is the Hitter?
- Strengths
-What type of hitter is he?
-What does he like to hit?
- Weaknesses
-What does he struggle to hit?
-Where are his holes?
- What does he want to do in this situation
-What does the situation call for the hitter to do?
What is the situation in Game?
- Ahead
-By one run, two runs or three runs
-Can a grand slam beat you
- Behind
- Inning
-Don’t want to get beat inside late in the game
-Can take more chance early in game
Where is the Defense playing?
- Where do you want him to hit it
- Don’t call pitches against the defense
- What is the hitter trying to do
-Move the runner
- Man on first
-Wants to hit the three hole
2. Man on second-
-Wants to hit ball to the right side
3. Man on third
-Trying to get ball in the air or up middle
-Pitching inside at this point can work, week ground ball
-With infield in
-Batter wants to get ball in the air
-With infield back
-Batter want to hit ground ball to middle of field
These are just a few of the things that should go through the catcher’s head while calling the game. I will continue this at later date. Remember a fastball down and away is always a good pitch. Get the at bat over as quick as you can with the fewest pitches used.
Until Next Time,
Chad