Catching has been a long-standing family tradition for Red Sox backstop Reese McGuire, who started testing his catching gear in the backyard on Christmas when he was around 8 or 9 years old. As baseballs bounced off his forearms, his grandfather shared some wisdom: “It takes a tough kid to be a catcher. You have to enjoy the bruises.”
“We’re all a bit crazy to get back there,” said Diamondbacks catcher Tucker Barnhart, who has spent 11 seasons as a target behind home plate.
Catching is not for the faint of heart; catchers are constantly dealing with injuries, always at risk of ending up on the injured list.
Throughout the league, most catchers are nursing various injuries caused by the nature of their position. Recent incidents include shoulder injuries, bruises, and concussions from foul balls and fast pitches.
Despite the challenges, catchers have embraced the bruises and strains that come with the job. However, as the game changes, the demands on catchers are increasing, putting them at even greater risk of injury.
Unfortunately, injuries are a common part of the catcher’s life. Even with modern equipment and training methods, catchers continue to face a high risk of injury, including dangerous situations like catcher interference calls.
Major League Baseball is trying to balance the need for close pitch framing with the safety of catchers, but the risks remain high. Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras recently suffered a broken arm on a play involving a hitter’s backswing.
Despite the challenges, catchers like Austin Hedges continue to play through pain and injuries. From bruised thighs to swollen ankles, catchers endure a significant amount of physical stress throughout the season.
The toll on catchers’ bodies is significant, with various injuries affecting their ability to perform on the field. They push through the pain and continue to play, often at less than 100% health.
Even with advancements in equipment and training, catchers like Hedges and Barnhart know that injuries are an inevitable part of their job. From bruised thighs to strained muscles, catchers must endure a significant amount of physical strain to stay in the game.
As the risks of catching become more apparent, teams and players are exploring ways to reduce the physical toll on catchers. Changes in stance, gear, and positioning are being considered to protect catchers from injury.
Overall, the life of a catcher is filled with bruises, strains, and constant physical challenges. Despite the risks, catchers like Stephen Vogt and Bo Naylor embrace the toughness required to excel in their position.
As catchers continue to face injuries and push through pain, the physical demands of the position remain high. From bruised thumbs to sore muscles, catchers must endure a significant amount of physical stress to perform at their best.