Post by bawbag33 on Jul 18, 2006 2:54:23 GMT -5
Episode II - Positional Players 1 - Wicket Keeper v Catcher
In Cricket you have a Wicket keeper, in Baseball a Catcher, both have similar jobs to do, in fact I would argue they are the positions bearing the best comparison between the sports.
Of course there are differences, a Wicketkeepers equipment consists of two knee high leg pads and two gloves and they do not call a game (however they will make the odd suggestions on the line and length, or type of bowl required if they spot a weakness) whereas a Catcher will have a catchers mitt, leg pads, a chest protector and a mask and can be put in the position where they will actually call the game for the pitcher.
Although both positions will start in a crouched position, the main difference between the two, is that the Wicketkeeper will take his stance dependant on the type of bowler. If a fast pace bowler is on, he will typically take his stance some way behind the wicket, where he judges the ball will have reached the apex of its bounce and will be starting to fall again, thus allowing for an easyish catch as the ball is losing a lot of momentum. This also allows for him the react and make a catch if the ball is edged, or is a loose delivery (pass ball) to stop extra runs scoring. If facing a spin bowler, then he is more likely to be in touching distance of the Wicket (or Stumps), as the ball is a lot slower and such a position allows him to stump (tag out) the batsman if he plays and misses.
The Catcher of course only has the one position, but like the Wicketkeeper, must be able to react to those balls that do not head where they are expected.
Of course both have there other duties to perform, in Cricket the Wicketkeeper is charged with covering the stumps at his end when a ball is hit, and must stand ready to receive a throw from the other fielders in the same way a Catcher will guard home plate (or 1st or 3rd base as required). He will also throw his gloves away (cant throw with them on) and chase a ball if the situation demands it in a similar way to the Catcher discarding his mask on a pop up.
Both positions tend to be steady batsmen with catchers tending to hit for power as they do not normally have good speed, whereas a Wicketkeeper is normally a middle order batsman so is expected to be able to make a decent score each innings.
In Cricket you have a Wicket keeper, in Baseball a Catcher, both have similar jobs to do, in fact I would argue they are the positions bearing the best comparison between the sports.
Of course there are differences, a Wicketkeepers equipment consists of two knee high leg pads and two gloves and they do not call a game (however they will make the odd suggestions on the line and length, or type of bowl required if they spot a weakness) whereas a Catcher will have a catchers mitt, leg pads, a chest protector and a mask and can be put in the position where they will actually call the game for the pitcher.
Although both positions will start in a crouched position, the main difference between the two, is that the Wicketkeeper will take his stance dependant on the type of bowler. If a fast pace bowler is on, he will typically take his stance some way behind the wicket, where he judges the ball will have reached the apex of its bounce and will be starting to fall again, thus allowing for an easyish catch as the ball is losing a lot of momentum. This also allows for him the react and make a catch if the ball is edged, or is a loose delivery (pass ball) to stop extra runs scoring. If facing a spin bowler, then he is more likely to be in touching distance of the Wicket (or Stumps), as the ball is a lot slower and such a position allows him to stump (tag out) the batsman if he plays and misses.
The Catcher of course only has the one position, but like the Wicketkeeper, must be able to react to those balls that do not head where they are expected.
Of course both have there other duties to perform, in Cricket the Wicketkeeper is charged with covering the stumps at his end when a ball is hit, and must stand ready to receive a throw from the other fielders in the same way a Catcher will guard home plate (or 1st or 3rd base as required). He will also throw his gloves away (cant throw with them on) and chase a ball if the situation demands it in a similar way to the Catcher discarding his mask on a pop up.
Both positions tend to be steady batsmen with catchers tending to hit for power as they do not normally have good speed, whereas a Wicketkeeper is normally a middle order batsman so is expected to be able to make a decent score each innings.