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Catcher is a position played in baseball. The catcher crouches behind home plate and receives the ball from the pitcher. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the catcher is assigned the number 2.Catching is arguably the most difficult and important task in baseball. Positioned behind home plate, the catcher can see the whole field, and therefore is in the best position to direct and lead the other players in a play. The catcher typically calls the pitches by means of hand signals, and therefore requires awareness of both the pitcher's mechanics and strengths and the batter's weaknesses. In addition, because the catcher's job is to catch pitches which often come in at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour, the catcher wears protective equipment including a mask, chest protector, knee pads, and extra-thick glove (see photo). Despite this, catchers routinely suffer the worst physical abuse in baseball, constantly getting bruised and battered both by pitches and by runners sliding into home plate. Because of this, catchers have a reputation as being slow baserunners; even if they have speed at the beginning of their careers, the eventual toll taken on their knees by catching slows them down. Catchers also have a long history of knee ailments, stemming from the awkward crouched position they take when receiving pitches.
Some famous catchers include:
- Johnny Bench
- Yogi Berra
- Bob Boone
- Roy Campanella
- Gary Carter
- Mickey Cochrane
- Bill Dickey
- Carlton Fisk
- Josh Gibson
- Gabby Hartnett
- Elston Howard
- Javy López
- Biz Mackey
- Thurman MunsonThurman Munson ( June 7, 1947 August 2, 1979) was a Major League Baseball player from 1969 to 1979. Munson played his entire career as catcher with the New York Yankees. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1970, the American League MVP
- Mike PiazzaMike Piazza (born September 4, 1968 in Norristown, Pennsylvania) is a U. S Major League Baseball player. He is generally recognized as the top-hitting catcher of his era. He is a ten time All-Star. On May 5, 2004, Piazza surpassed Carlton Fisk for most ho
- Ivan Rodriguez
- Ray SchalkChicago White Sox at Comiskey Park in 1913. Raymond William Schalk ( August 12, 1892 May 19, 1970) was a Major League Baseball catcher noted for his fine handling of pitchers and remarkable defensive ability. Born in Harvel, Illinois, Schalk made his majo
- Ted Simmons
- Joe TorreJoseph Paul Torre (born July 18, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York) is the manager of the New York Yankees and a former Major League Baseball player in the National League for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Mets. He has also mana
- Jason VaritekJason Andrew Varitek (born April 11, 1972 in Rochester, Michigan) is a catcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round of the 1994 amateur draft and was the 14th pick overall. He was trade
