Rhonda Shaw | Catching: Baseball’s Most Demanding Position

Catching in the major leagues is extremely demanding, both physically and
mentally. Injuries over the course of the seasons are a norm; there is always
some part of their body ailing. They wear a lot of protective gear, but it
doesn’t cover everything, and throughout the course of the seasons, something
will be hit, either by a bat or by the ball. There’s also the toll of
repeatedly getting in and out of their crouch takes on their body.

Catchers also need to remain mentally sharp. A catcher needs to always know the
stats of the game—what inning, how many outs, the score, who’s on base, who’s
on-deck—as well as what the hitter’s weaknesses are, how they got him out last
time, etc., and all this before deciding what pitch to call from the pitcher.

To give us an inside view of the job of a catcher, I’ve asked Detroit Rockets
All-Star catcher, Matt Buck, to answer some questions.

Rhonda: Hi, Matt! Thanks for helping me out. Matt: No problem. Glad to be here. Rhonda: So tell me, how many times do you actually have to squat during a season? Matt: [chuckles] I don’t think I’ve ever counted. Not sure I actually want to know, but it isn’t just in a game. We’re squatting during Spring Training, during bullpen sessions, practice, prior to games… Come to think of it, we’re pretty much squatting all the time. Rhonda: So, killer glutes then, huh? Matt: I guess you could say that. [clears his throat] Rhonda: Injuries. Catchers always seem to be getting hit somewhere, and it certainly looks painful. How can you just shake it off and get back down for the next pitch? Matt: You learn to put it behind you and keep going. Obviously, there are some scary ones, like getting hit in the throat with the ball or in the head with a backswing, that you have to stop and check yourself, but for the most part, you take a moment, as much as the ump will give you, take a deep breath, and keep going. [shrugs] All part of the job. Rhonda: If you say so. [Matt laughs] Some people may think that all catchers do is catch the ball, but it’s more than that. What else are you responsible for? Matt: I wish that’s all it was. We are responsible for a lot. We have to always know what’s going on in the game. We have to decide what pitch to call for based on the game situation and whose on-deck. Not only do I need to know the strengths and weakness for the hitters, but also our pitcher, what’s his go-to pitch or what pitch he’s having trouble with. If the pitcher gets upset or is having problems, we have to be able to calm him down and get him back on track. We have to establish a good relationship with the umpires since they are the ones calling our balls and strikes. We’re in the middle of a lot of things. We’re kind of like an on-field coach. Rhonda: Wow! That sounds like a lot to keep in your mind, especially during stressful situations. Matt: Yeah, it can be, but there’s a lot of prep work done before games, so we have the game plan already set beforehand. Then in games, it’s just responding appropriately to what’s transpiring around you, always trying to remain positive and not add any fuel to any tense situations. You generally want to avoid arguments and brawls. [grins] Rhonda: What’s your favorite part of being a catcher? Matt: Hmmm…my favorite part? Well, I like the pressure put on a catcher. I like being in the middle of everything, being a part of the decisions to ensure us a win. I like the pre-game prep of deciding what pitches are going to be called, and then executing to that plan. [shrugs] Honestly, I like all of it. Even catching the ball and having to use my body to block the plate when needed. It’s great. Rhonda: Even when a runner slams into you trying to score? Matt: Sure, why not? I usually come out on the winning end of that collision. Rhonda: I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions today. Thank you! Matt: Not a problem. I love the game, can’t imagine baseball not in my life, and if I can spread the love, then I’m all for it!

About Rhonda Shaw

Rhonda owes her love of reading to her mother who would read to her each night
before bed and sometimes give into her pleads for more than one chapter. These
days, if Rhonda doesn't have a book in her hands, it feels like something is
missing. While romance is her true passion, Rhonda enjoys reading multiple
genres.

Born in California, but transplanted to the Midwest, Rhonda is warm weather girl
to the bone (even years later, winter and her are not on speaking terms) and
loves nothing more than a balmy, summer evening. She and her husband are diehard
fans of pretty much all sports, but especially for their hometown Detroit teams.
Rhonda received a bachelor's in Human Resources Development and continued onto a
master's in Marriage and Family Counseling before making a drastic career switch
into computer technology. She started out as a website developer and made her
way up into management where she now spends most of her days in meetings. Rhonda
was a life-long dancer before her body told her she needed to come down off her
toes and wrap it up. She also loves all animals--especially moose. She is a
proud member of Romance Writers of America.

Rhonda loves to hear from readers, so please visit her website. You can also
find her on Facebook and Twitter.

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About CAUGHT

Shannon Morrison’s dreams of becoming a lawyer are finally coming true. After landing a job at a prestigious law firm in Chicago, she’s willing to sacrifice everything, including putting her personal life on hold, as nothing will stand in her way of making partner. Nothing except perhaps the gorgeous Detroit Rockets’ All-Star catcher, Matt Buck.

Just when he didn’t think his luck would turn around, life finally throws Matt a
fastball right down the middle, reconnecting him with the one girl who has
always intrigued him. As before, the timing isn’t right, but Matt refuses to
let this opportunity pass him by again. He knows Shannon’s career leaves little
room for anything else in her life, but he’s unwilling to give in and will do
whatever he can to make them work.

Together, Matt and Shannon struggle through one hurdle after another, determined to find a way to have everything they want. Just when they’ve finally figured it out, someone from Matt’s past shatters everything, and leaves them both grappling to pick up the pieces…