Catching combines so many intangibles (leadership quality and so on) along with the measurable attributes (passed ball percentage, etc.).

Coaches may find this list helpful in looking for the right players during a draft, or in choosing which players to concentrate on for the all-important catcher slot during the training season, but you need to also base a decision on your own instincts - who do you want to be your on-field captain?

Players and parents should also think about these attributes before expecting too much too soon. Even from any early age, it is obvious that not everyone will make a great catcher, although we encourage coaches of younger age teams to let everyone get a chance.


1. Defensive Priority

The best catcher is a shortstop minus the range. And even good-hitting catchers must be defense oriented - might get 4 at bats himself in a game but will be trying to stop dozens of opposing team batters.

2. Physicality

• Flexibility - to get down in the receiving stance, move laterally on loose hips
• Quickness - to pounce on stray pitches, react to baserunners
• Strong base - powerful legs
• Durability - but not necessarily size - better to have (or be) a tough, wirey catcher who can take the hits than a big guy prone to injury
• Accurate, powerful arm - best driven by quick leg speed

3. Leadership

• The team's on field captain.
• Good communication skills with pitcher and fielders
• Enthusiasm - always being watched by team mates and other team (needs to project positive aggression, confidence for the team)
• Hustle - leadership by example

4. Mental Make-up

• Intelligent, able to outthink opposing batters
• Exellent memory for what works, what doesn't
• Baseball sense - awareness of the game situation
• Proactive - sets the tone of the game, determines the next pitch, must anticipate the opposition - an instinct for what's next
• Unselfish - the better the catcher, the more the pitcher looks like a hero
• Mental toughness - willing to stay in there
• HIgh level of self motivation (early to practice, ready for each pitch, and everything in between)
• Will make a good coach some day