s part of our winter clinics (remember I am in the Rat fraternity now), we are setting aside a few nights to work specifically with the catchers. Besides the pitcher, the catcher is the most important guy on the field. He will handle every pitch and can play a crucial role in the success of your team. In our clinics, we are working to add an area that most coaches don't even think of; that is, how the catcher can help the plate umpire.

During one session, we are concentrating on everything the catcher can do to help or hinder the plate umpire. If we can get our catchers to learn what they need to do, we will benefit. Our pitchers will get more strike calls on those close pitches ... guaranteed.

Why am I so sure of that? Well, as a plate umpire, the most important relationship I have is with the catcher. When I have a great catcher back there, everything is smooth. With a great catcher, I don't have to adjust to see the plate. When we need to change our position back there, the strike zone will change because our view has changed.

While I, as a coach, am teaching our catchers about those issues, you can do the same as an umpire. Yes, you, too, can be a catching coach.

Continued...