Catcher's conference?

[BuckeyeMike]

Anyone on here ever conducted (or thought about conducting) a pre-game conference with the catchers from both teams?   It would be much the same as the HP meeting with the coaches, but probably before that.  I'm tempted to try this, but i'm using you all as a sound-board for pros and cons......feel free to express your feelings:

 

(BOTH catchers will be at this plate meeting)

 

- Introductions

- We need to work together today - we can help each other

- Don't drag your glove - stick it

- Do NOT turn around on me

- Move up, especially if you call a breaking ball - helps me AND YOU

- If I'm making you uncomfortable with how close I am or you feel hindered in any way, let me know.

 

Whaddya guys think?

 

I know it's unheard of, to have a pre-game catcher's meeting, but step out of the box......paradigm paralysis stifles innovation.

[mstaylor]

I wouldn't,I just talk to them as the game goes on. If they are snatching pitches I tell them. I find they respond better to one on one.

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[Dannytheman]

I have never talked before game in any conference type meeting. Like Mike says above, maybe during a game at the back of their head.

I always start meeting new catchers when they come out. I tell them their number 1 job is to protect me. 

[maven]

I introduce myself and make a point of getting each F2's name.

 

I never tell them what to do (don't drag, don't turn, etc.): in my experience, people often don't respond well to others bossing them around.

 

I do tell them that if they pull pitches into the zone, that tells everybody that F2 thinks the pitch was a ball, and that I'm not likely to correct him. Sometimes explaining consequences works.

 

Just talking to them a bit conveys that you're someone they can talk to.

[Mike Prince]

Too fine of a line between umpiring and coaching there IMHO, if I was a coach I would have issue with an umpire telling my F2 how to field his position.  Plus telling a good catcher not to pull pitches without him even doing it will only insult him.

 

Some of what you list is better handled in individual conversation as you settle in behind F2 for the first pitch.

[UmpJeff]

I pre-game with catchers, at every level I work,  while they're taking their warm-up pitches after our name swap and handshake which goes something like this...

 

"Let me see the corners.  I WILL let you know when you're blocking me as I will tell you.  And, if you do, you may not get the call you want when I can't see it."

 

"Don't yank pitches.  Stick the close ones, it gives me a longer look.  But don't delay in getting the ball back to the pitcher."

 

"New arms get no more than 8 warm-up tosses, returning arms get no more than 5.  You can count that high, can't you?" (this is usually followed by a mutual chuckle)

 

"Let's you and I have some fun out here!  Have a great game!"

[noumpere]

Way too much talking in all of the above suggestions in my opinion only of course.

[SoCal Lurker]

Anyone on here ever conducted (or thought about conducting) a pre-game conference with the catchers from both teams?   It would be much the same as the HP meeting with the coaches, but probably before that.  I'm tempted to try this, but i'm using you all as a sound-board for pros and cons......feel free to express your feelings:

 

(BOTH catchers will be at this plate meeting)

 

- Introductions

- We need to work together today - we can help each other

- Don't drag your glove - stick it

- Do NOT turn around on me

- Move up, especially if you call a breaking ball - helps me AND YOU

- If I'm making you uncomfortable with how close I am or you feel hindered in any way, let me know.

 

Whaddya guys think?

 

I know it's unheard of, to have a pre-game catcher's meeting, but step out of the box......paradigm paralysis stifles innovation.

 

Perhaps you could follow up with a pitcher's meeting to talk about  the balk rules and how they shouldn't give you faces from the mound.  Whcih would be before the middle infielder conference where you can explain how you'll protect them on slide and avoid, but you need them to make sure they make a clear effort to touch the back if they want the neighborhood play.  And then meet with the . . . . yeah, it's an absurd extension, but methinks there is a reason that such catcher's meetings are just not done and it is done 1 on 1 behind the plate . . .

[semper_fi_72]

Sounds a little like coaching as others have said.

[mstaylor]

At the beginning of the game I introduce myself to the catcher and get his name. I ask if the pitcher throws anything I need to know about. If he had a knuckle or split finger I say show it to me. If the answer of fast, curve, changeup,I just look at a couple and go on. Occasionally I will tell them if they ask for a check,I will ask, but usually not. Then if he is doing something odd then we talk some more. Or if the pitcher is sketchy I will tell the catcher to fix it.

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[Specks]

I agree it's to close to coaching and I think it starts off on a negative, saying what not to do. If it's 14u and above I introduce myself, get his name and tell him to feel free to call me Greg. Under 14u they seem to change too much and I'm not smart enough to remember multiple catchers and managers names. Then just gentle correction as needed.

[BuckeyeMike]

This is the kind of feedback i was looking for and I've come to agree......this is a bad idea.  Just take care of it one-on-one as things happen.

 

Much appreciated.

[umpstu]

I introduce myself and, if he and I haven't worked together before, I will tell him that if he disagrees with a call just throw the ball back. The call isn't going to change and it is ok to ask, but don't turn your head. I also let him know that I am a pitcher's umpire and think calling a ball is boring. Therefore try to catch em where I can call em.

[BigUmpire]

This is the kind of feedback i was looking for and I've come to agree......this is a bad idea.  Just take care of it one-on-one as things happen.

 

Much appreciated.

Any way to get you to talk to umpire_scott?

He needs a lesson in how to listen and accept the wisdom of the silverbacks here.

[umpire_scott]

 

This is the kind of feedback i was looking for and I've come to agree......this is a bad idea.  Just take care of it one-on-one as things happen.

 

Much appreciated.

Any way to get you to talk to umpire_scott?

He needs a lesson in how to listen and accept the wisdom of the silverbacks here.

 

 

I would have had the exact same response as BuckeyeMike in this.  ALL of these responses were logical and backed with evidence.