Throwback: A Big-League Catcher Tells How the Game Is Really Played
*Starred Review* Jason Kendall, a very good catcher over his 15-year Major League career, was known as a smart, tough leader and student of the game. He can’t possibly share all he knows about the game in a single volume, but he does provide fans with a wealth of insight into the little things that translate into more fun watching a game. For example, arguing balls and strikes will get a player or manager ejected, right? Kendall says there is an endless conversation going on between the plate umpire and the catcher; as long as everyone keeps looking straight ahead, things are cool. But if the catcher turns around to face the ump or takes off his mask, good-natured bickering has escalated into confrontation. Oh, and do you know why catchers work so hard to block errant pitches, even if no one is on base? To protect the ump; an ump who doesn’t get nicked by a fastball in the dirt may be your friend later. There’s also a wonderful chapter on why pitchers will usually back down on pitch selection when they disagree with the catcher. This is exactly the kind of color analysis fans long for while watching a game, but usually don’t get. Great information sprinkled with salty humor. --Wes Lukowsky