By: Gerald Wyatt,
On a play at the plate where the Catcher has the ball in plenty of time to tag the runner out he should move up the line a little and place his left foot in a position so that the runner can see the back side of home plate. By allowing the runner a place to go, most runners will go for the part of the plate that they can see. This will avoid a lot of collisons and make the play an easy out for the Catcher to make. Also grab the ball firmly with the throwing hand and PROTECT it with the glove. Make the tag with both hands. Some runners will not choose to go for the plate and will try to Knock the ball loose by bowling the Catcher over. Many times a Catcher can "sense" a collison is coming by watching the runner as he's coming in. When the Catcher can see that a collison is eminant he should, hold his ground, keep his eyes on the runner and GET LOW!. Do not take a hit shoulder to shoulder if at all possible. Because the runner has momentum he will have an advantage on a collison at home plate if the Catcher does not get low. After the play is over, have the presence of mind to be aware of any other runners on base. One other thing about making a play at home, KEEP YOUR MASK ON. I see more and more Major League Catchers keeping their mask on. In the old days, I was taught to discard the mask. One day I learned the hard way by taking a short hop throw from the shortstop between the eyes.
Date: April 02, 1998 at 07:32