Felix Bardales Rodas
Crimson Chronicle Reporter
As performs the baseball position of the catcher during practices, I get a bird’s eye view of the many plays performed on the field.
My role is crucial because my position is not just to catch the pitches but also help the pitchers pitch look like they strike if necessary. During practice, I take notice of how every pitch is unique. A fastball for example, goes in my glove really fast—making my reaction time very important. Then there’s the curveball, which heads straight down the middle but then goes down as it reaches the home plate. Every pitch has its own challenges, but I am always ready and willing to learn different pitches. I observe how they can be changed, such as by the stride alongside proper hand grip.
During practice everyday, I observe the varying problems pitchers face. Some pitchers pitch really fast, but have trouble keeping the ball in the strike zone. Others can’t pitch as hard, but have really good aim. Each pitcher has something to improve on, factors that help the coach detect which inning they could be good in.
Whether a pitcher is trying a knuckle curve or a normal curve, I see the difference in movement. Being the catcher on the receiving end has its ups and downs, as it’s up to you to block or catch, yet it is ultimately a rewarding role.
