Learn the secrets and techniques of baseball's most demanding position! Whether you’re a baseball catcher, baseball coach, or curious fan, The Art of Catching is guaranteed to enhance your baseball experience. The catcher is the most important defensive position on the field but by far the most misunderstood.
In The Art of Catching, Brent Mayne distills fifteen years of Major League experience (ranked 4th in the history of baseball for career fielding percentage and 75th for games caught) to provide cutting-edge overviews of all the crucial technical aspects of the position. It is a comprehensive 102 page book that includes tips on catcher's gear, catching drills, and proper technique including:
- Athletic posture and stances
- Glove mechanics and throwing to bases
- Pitchouts, backpicks, and handling pop flies
- Calling games and working with pitchers
- Making plays at the plate without getting hurt
- Getting the most out of drills and bullpen time
- What it takes to play in the big leagues & more!
- Each book also comes autographed by Brent
The information in this book is applicable to players at all levels, from Little League to the major leagues, and everyone in between. With many photos and illustrations, summaries of key points, and thought-provoking quotations, The Art of Catching is destined to be a baseball classic and essential for coaches, fans, and aspiring players.
About the Author
Brent Mayne played major league ball for sixteen seasons (1989 - 2004), most of them with the Kansas City Royals. He earned a reputation for his handling of pitchers, effective plate blocking, and strong arm. Enjoying success both behind the plate and at it, he batted .301 in two consecutive seasons (1999 - 2000). Mayne caught a no-hitter pitched by Bret Saberhagen in 1991, and he also has the distinction of being the only catcher in the twentieth century to have won a game as a pitcher. A hard-working, consummate pro, Mayne knows his position like the back of his hand and has a gift for communicating his knowledge and experience enthusiastically.
