Norms Pitcher-Catcher Relations

Stolen From the web, and rewritten in Norms English:
The time honored term "battery" defines the relationship between the pitcher and catcher. A battery in military terms describes a group of artillery pieces which by definition deliver missiles to a target. Possibly the term itself goes back to Civil War times when a "good game of ball" was played by soldiers of both sides as a favorite form of recreation. In any case, the relationship between the pitcher and catcher is crucial to a successful beer league team.

Compatibility

Catchers have the tough job of keeping pitchers motivated and emotionally stable while on the mound. They are ultimately responsible for pitcher productivity. It's the catcher who should call the signals, and the pitcher who should just laugh and throw the shit over the plate. A good catcher will shut up and and throw the ball back to the pitcher fast to keep the game moving. Catchers need to be able to compliment their pitcher on good pitches, good plays, and good games, but they should generally shut up after that.

Skills

To make this relationship work, both the pitcher and catcher must be able to perform their respective skills satisfactorily. Repetitive successful skills execution, in competition, will build winning team confidence for all. Catchers have to be able to receive the ball. This is not difficult in slow pitch, but it can be dangerous to have to catch a slow pitch fould tip. Most importantly catchers must want the responsibility and want to play catcher, but they are often just throw ins behind the plate and this can piss off a prima dona pitcher.

Pitchers have to be able to throw, and throw slow arched pitches. Their pitches must consistently be in and around the plate. Ideally they must be able to throw strikes on command, throw the requested pitch on signal, and pitch confidently to locations. Pitchers must be able to field the position. This requires concentration

Opposing Player Ability

Strategically, the battery has a number of situational things to consider as they work together on controlling the game. They must live within the framework of each other's ability. Whether the pitcher features spin or ball movement pitches, or uses a combination of both, all this will influence catcher signal calling patterns. Knowing your pitcher's best pitch (THE HEIDI HO) and when to use it (IN GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS) and/or when your pitcher has confidence in using it, is fundamental to getting batters out.

Both the pitcher and catcher have to be taught to think in a parallel fashion when confronted by these things. The pitcher must also be confident of her pitches.

Controlling Game Situations

The battery must always be aware of the game situation. This includes devising strategies to deal with the prospect of runners on, number of outs, score, inning, who's up in the batting order, where they hit last time, and how their team is playing. Utilization of pitch outs or easily handled fastballs may put some crimp in base stealing with the winning run on first and one out. Utilizing drops or low balls are designed to get that ground out with runners in scoring position.

Outside Forces

It goes without saying that umpires (DICKHEADS) have a direct effect upon what kinds of pitches are called. Depending upon their strike zones and their individual calling strengths and weaknesses, the battery must consider using the best pitch to throw in a very crucial situations. With the score tied, bases loaded, and the count 3-2, the battery may want to call a pitch location which the umpire has consistently called a strike throughout the game.

A good battery will take advantage of what you can get and what the umpire is calling. If he or she is consistently calling inside strikes a little off the plate and missing every outside but on the plate strike, the situation of what to call or not call frequently is obvious. The battery must adjust to the officials and not just complain.

Working together, a good battery can deliver its missile on target every time with maximum effect. Teamwork and communication are essential. As a pitcher's and catcher's relationship (BUYING EACH OTHER SHOTS) and mutual trust develop, joint game strategy discussions should and will become routine. If that confidence is missing, it will be a long season and chances of it being a winning one are slim and none. They must be able to communicate with each other and be able to work together with mutual respect.