Wearing the tools of ignorance well
What do Stanton's Jordan Sorensen, Red Oak's Colby Wise and Gabrielle French, and Villisca's Courtney Auxier all have in common?
I will give a hint. We stand in front of a ball being thrown at us anywhere from 60-90 miles per hour, while standing next to a person who is swinging a 30-ounce metal bat inches from our head, and behind us is the only guy who's word matters in a game.
That right. All of those people on the list wear what is called the “tools of ignorance” as a catcher for their baseball or softball team.
I do think it is ironic that they give a catcher's protective gear such a negative connotation, considering the catcher has more going through their mind than any other player on the field.
Every catcher has a lot of responsibilities, which most people know. First and foremost, the catcher has to catch the ball. They have to do everything they can to keep the ball away from the backstop. Most people don't realize this takes some degree of focus on every pitch, because the catcher usually does not know when the pitcher will short-hop the plate or sail a ball to the backstop.
Other responsibilities include calling pitches, acting as a general on the field when the ball is in play, watching their pitcher's mechanics and being a liaison to the coach on the pitcher's performance.
One thing most people don't realize is that the catcher is also a bodyguard for the umpire. Not only as a wall that absorbs wild pitches and foul tips, but also from those who want to verbally abuse the masked man in blue.
I've noticed that as this baseball and softball season has begun, there has seemed to be extra heat on the umpires.
The catchers I have seen this season have been doing a good work with their bodyguard duties.
The catcher has to talk with the umpires, with utmost respect, almost all of the time.
They will usually quietly discuss where the umpire's strike zone is in the first few innings.
If you haven't caught, you might be surprised at how much they talk.
When I caught, I also found the best way to get your pitcher calls was to side with the umpire on any call. Even if the coach is publicly renouncing a ball or strike call, I did not show up the umpire.
The best thing a catcher can do is stand up for the call.
This also goes for the fans.
Before every high school game, there are two events that happen. The singing of the national anthem and announcement of sportsmanship.
There are ways around persecuting an umpire. Keep cheering for your team. Keep urging on your pitcher. Along with these, you can earn some brownie points with a “nice call, Blue,” on a close call.
The tools of ignorance may also include NOT knowing it all when it comes to talking to the officials.
Think like a catcher, be respectful, and give umpires a break.
Lance Fleming is the sports reporter for the Red Oak Express. He can be reached at sports@redoakexpress.com.