How do catchers signs work

Just keep in mind that both the catcher and the pitcher are aware of the signs and have a mutual understanding. The signs should be made in such a manner that they are easy to remember.

The catcher can also paint their nails with white color and show signals to the pitcher. On the other hand, various other signals such as body signals or glove signals can also be given. The type and location of the pitch are yet the common information that passes between the pitcher and the catcher. The catcher, in the basic form of the signal, shows a sign for the type of pitch and later taps on one of the thighs for the location sign.

The advanced method for signaling the type of pitch and location is that the catcher makes use of two signs at a time.

One sign is for the type of pitch and the other one is for the location in order. The catcher uses the common pitch signals followed by signaling an odd number for the outside pitch and an even number for the inside pitch. MLB to test electronic device for catcher signals. Atlanta Braves. Houston Astros. Hendriks, Hader named MLB's top relievers in ' Chicago White Sox.

Longtime Royals scout Art Stewart dies at Kansas City Royals. LHP Rodriguez stays with Yankees on 1-year deal. If he puts down three fingers on the next signal, he is telling the pitcher to throw the slider. He may continue to put down finger signals after that to further confuse the opponent. At higher levels of baseball, the catcher will also indicate the location of the pitch: inside or outside and high or low. He may tap his left shin guard if he wants the pitch low and inside to a right-handed hitter.

He may tap his left thigh if he wants the pitch high and inside. He uses his right leg on pitches that should be thrown outside. Additionally, the catcher will usually give his target to the spot he wants the pitch thrown, but when there are runners on base the catcher won't want to give up the location until the last instant.

In some cases, the pitcher will not feel confident about the catcher's pitch selection. In the event of a relief pitcher, make a quick visit to the mound after his warm-up pitches and get on the same page. Type and Location The most common information being passed between a catcher and pitcher is the type of pitch and pitch location.

In the most basic form of this system, the catcher will put down a sign for the pitch type and then tap the inside of one of his thighs to signal location. A slightly more advanced method is using two signs from the catcher. Give one signal for pitch type and one for location in that order. For example: Using the list from Common Pitch Signs and odd number outside and even for an inside pitch.

The first number tells the pitcher to throw a fastball and the second number an odd number tells him the pitch should be away to a hitter. Now you figure out the pitch and location for these pitches. Curveball Away 2. Fastball Inside 3. Change Up Away Call for a pitch high in the zone or a ball in the dirt using a couple of basic signals. One way to signal this change in height is with glove and through body language.

Briefly show the pitcher where you expect the pitch to go using your glove hand. Another way is to signal the pitcher using your signal hand before or after you give him the type of pitch. Maybe flatten out your hand for down and flick a thumb up for a pitch up in the zone. It's up to you. With a runner on second base the catcher and pitcher will have to disguise the pitch and location to keep the runner from relaying that information to the hitter.

See the section below With Runners on 2nd for more info. Methods of Giving Signs There are three main methods that I have seen and used for calling signs in a game.