Baseball catcher question

Question

when a catcher is calling the pitches and he uses his fingers. what hand symbols does he use for the different pitches please can you explain or provide a diagram

Answer 1

I was a catcher in High school and it depends on you and the pitcher. You use different signals for different pitches. But usually the catcher decides because he may see two or three different pitchers during the game. Plus some pitchers excel in certain pitches. Also the signals call for inside pitches or outside pitches etc... There is no real answer here every team uses different signals.

Answer 2

the number of fingers used is the pitch called:

(In General)

1 finger = fastball

2 fingers = curveball

The rest depends on what types of pitches the pitcher throws, but you get the idea.

But, when there are runners on base (notably 2nd) they will go through a bunch of fingers/signs so the runner doesn't steal them and rely them back to the hitter. The combination of signs is worked out with the catcher and pitcher before/during the game. (I.e. the third sign shown out of 5 will be the pitch called for by the catcher)

The catcher will also tap the inside of his thigh to tell the pitcher what side of the plate he wants the pitcher to throw to.

Answer 3

A catcher uses a numbering system when calling for pitches (1 finger for a fastball,2 for a curve,3 for a changeup etc) This is done after talking with the pitcher about what pitches he is capable of throwing. When a catcher taps his thigh,this is usually a signal for the location of the pitch. Normally the Cafcher and pitcher talk about the order of signs used. This is done to throw off any baserunners who might be trying to steal the signal and let the batter know what's coming. Under normal conditions,the catcher will use a series of signals that only he and the pitcher can understand so the opposing team doesn't know the next pitch.

Answer 4

theres no real answer to this because all teams use diffrent signal to call the game,you wouldnt want the other coach read figure out ur signs would you just make them up with your pitcher before the game