Defensive Baseball Communication - 365 Days to Better Baseball

Wednesday Web Gems

Baseball communication necessary for even beginner baseball

Baseball communication

Most people would not believe the amount of defensive communication that occurs before every baseball pitch at the higher levels of baseball. Even before giving the pitcher a pre-pitch sign, the catcher receives information from the bench coaches, as do the position players. After the sign from the catcher, defensive players relay that sign around to each other so all know what pitch is coming. That is just a small segment of what goes on before and after every pitch, with even more communication passing among players when runners are on base.

Of course, some of that communication is extreme and not necessary at the youth levels of baseball. However, basic defensive communication among players is important at even the lowest levels of baseball and coaches must teach ball players the defensive communication necessary to make plays and win baseball games. Not only does it help win games, baseball communication helps players avoid injuries from collisions caused by non- baseball communication.

Pre-pitch Defensive Baseball Communication by Position

First Baseman

1. Remind pitcher to come over to first on any ball hit that way
2. Alert the catcher with "He's going," when the runner attempts to steal

Middle infielders

1. Informs pitcher which one of them will be covering on a groundball hit back to the pitcher
2. Decides between themselves who will cover second on a steal attempt

Third Baseman

1. Relays signs from bench coach for bunt defenses

Catcher

1. Gives pitcher sign for the type pitch to be thrown
2. Gives infield sign for play to be used with a possible double steal on the first and third situation

As mentioned, this is the minimum defensive baseball communication before every pitch and it increases with more experienced players and coaches.