Catchers dirt pitch recovery. Field the ball!

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May 13, 2023
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* Reminder to field dirt pitches catchers can still set up in a block position WHILE able to use their glove.
*Glove is the First Defense and the body as a block if needed.

Reading the ball is what tells us how to react in the moment. Regardless of where Runners are
want to control the ball the best we can.
Play the ball Pending where the ball is going.

Would not say just because there's a runner on say Third Base that mandatory a catcher should block.
Blocking means the ball is on the ground now, can roll away from the catcher, even bounce off making it worse. Which is a lesser controlling mechanic at an important time where controlling the ball fielding/picking it would be the best.

Being a runner on third or any base.
Looking for the ball to get away from the catcher is a good thing to do (which often happens during block mechanics)
. True there can be a missed fielded glove moment and this can turn out to be the same as a block scenario with the ball not in the glove.
However for catchers who are going to stay on the attack using our glove Runners generally will notice the difference between the just block catchers and the ones who will control the ball with their glove.

➡️The catchers who use the glove already have the ball to throw it!
Runners tend to react to the ball going in the dirt, at times taking an extra step on leadoff.
Runners who are not paying attention to catchers Fielding the ball have a greater chance of being picked off! Back picks!
 
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