with Matt Walbeck,
Texas Rangers (MLB) Third Base Coach;
Baseball America 2007 Minor League Manager of the Year,
2007 Eastern League Manager of the Year;
former Erie SeaWolves (AA) manager (Detroit Tigers affiliate and West Michigan Whitecaps Manager;
2X Midwest League Champions (Class A)

A good catcher must know what his pitcher has on any given day. Coach Walbeck, an 11-year major league catcher, presents a unique look at developing the Pitcher-Catcher relationship. Good communication between the catcher and pitcher before and during the game will lead to greater success. An overall pitching plan is devised between the coach, pitcher and the catcher. Topics to discuss are reviewing signs and different counts you will encounter during the game. During the game, a major duty of the catcher is to visit the mound and settle down the pitcher in tough situations. Communicating signals is another important job of a good catcher. In addition, Walbeck talks about the value of the back-up catcher and how to keep him ready to play at all times. Developing good catchers will help your team win more games and will help the development of good pitchers too!

30 minutes. 2006.