The Catcher's Handbook

by Conor Kelley

The position of catcher in baseball requires a broad set of physical and mental skills. This handbook, by a former catcher, offers precise advice on everything one needs to succeed behind the plate at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. Drawing on real-life scenarios, it addresses nearly every situation a catcher could ever encounter.

In addition to the mechanics of catching, blocking, picking, throwing, and catching pop-ups, topics include choosing the right gear; developing a relationship with the umpire; how to call a great game; when to call a pick-off; how to get runners out or keep them from advancing; making the tag at the plate; how to carry yourself like a team leader; injury prevention and other issues.

With tips and drills designed to improve specific skills, this guide is indispensable for any catcher looking to up his game.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Conor Kelley is a graduate of the New York University MFA program originally from Seattle, Washington. His short stories and essays have been featured in Word Riot, Hippocampus Magazine, Tenth Muse, and more. His first book, a baseball instructional book titled The Catcher’s Handbook, was published by McFarland Books in 2014. In his free time, Conor coaches baseball.