Yet, as with the other grimy aspects of their job, catchers try to make the best of collisions. Every catcher, said former Tiger Brad Ausmus, has a favorite home-plate collision story. I sought out Ausmus and Parrish during spring training to talk about catching, the position that doesn't fit into baseball's elegant beauty. Ausmus, who's back with Houston, provided the viewpoint of the veteran catcher. Parrish described his thoughts as a purposeful and well-mentored newcomer to professional baseball.
Nothing can fully prepare someone for the mental and physical challenges of catching.
Those demands of the job gradually jolt a catcher, like a home-plate collision that is spread over several years. Parrish knew importance of position David Parrish played a variety of positions on the way to high school, including catcher. By the time he joined the varsity in 10th grade, he and his coach realized he should become a full-time catcher. He has been one since. My skills are best served at the catching position.