The Ole Ball Game

What is meant by "where the catcher is setting up"?

by Jim
(Phoenix, AZ)

Catcher Set Up Low And Away

Catcher Set Up Low And Away

Jim asked: Recently a person asked what kind of wrong it was for a coach to tell his batter "where the catcher is setting up (in or out)." I do not understand what is meant by "where the catcher is setting up." Could you explain it?

If it means where the catcher positions him or herself to catch a pitch, why would it be "wrong" for the batter to know. Wouldn't this fall under the purview of "field"- or "situational awareness"?


Rick answered: Jim, thank you for your question.

Where a catcher is setting up, is in reference to their location inside, middle, outside, high, low, center cut.

Within the game of baseball, it has always been considered one of baseball's unwritten rules that batters don't take sneak peeks as the catcher gives his signs.

Not as prevalent as it used to be; but the penalty is getting hit with a pitch, somewhere down the line. Next at bat, teams best hitter. It varies.

As you watch MLB games, when they close in on the hitter, catcher and umpire with the center field camera, you can often see the catcher taking a quick glance up at the hitter, just to see if he can catch him looking.

It can also reach out into a runner at second base. From that location, base runners have been known to signal pitches, as well as locations.

Runners at first base are just as likely to sneak a peek, to see what pitch might be coming, fastball or off speed, to determine when they want to steal.

It is not considered, within the game, to be a part of field or situational awareness.


Yours in baseball,

Rick


Comments for What is meant by "where the catcher is setting up"?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

May 11, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar

by: Rick, theoleballgame

Jim, the catcher sets up to locate his glove, for where he wants the pitch thrown.

Pitcher's are throwing to that glove.

Catcher's give their signs setting in the middle of the plate, they wait to set up where the location is until a bit later, as they don't want to give the location away to the hitter.

Yours in baseball,

Rick

May 11, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Still confused
by: Jim (Phoenix, AZ)

Still not clear on what the phrase means.

Does it mean the location TO CATCH THE PITCH or the location TO GIVE THE SIGNS TO THE PITCHER?

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask The Baseball Coach.








Spalding, Old Time Bat Display




Louisville Sluggers. 1920's
































Copyright© 2007-2019...theoleballgame.com. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright© 2007-2019...theoleballgame.com. All Rights Reserved.