Bullpen Catchers
A while back, while the season was winding down, we took a look at how Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Tom Gorzelanny warms up before a start. Reader gillette asked a great question, and I’m finally getting around to answering it.
Sort of.
The question was:
who warms up the pitchers on the seattle mariners when the starting and backup catchers are in the dugout?
Although I don’t know the name of the person who holds this position for the Mariners, the broader answer is that the bullpen catcher warms up pitchers during a game. To get a little idea of what the job entails, you might read this account of Aron Amundson’s experience as the Minnesota Twins’ bullpen catcher. One of the requirements is a sense of humor:
When you catch in the bullpens that are right on the field, if you miss one it will almost hit the umpire. But, most of the time I will blame it on the pitcher.
And if you’re wondering what kind of impact a bullpen catcher can have on a pitching staff, the answer is plenty. San Diego Padres’ closer Trevor Hoffman is effusive in his praise of Mark Merila, who has overcome tremendous adversity to be in his current position:
He knows me so well. He knows exactly what I want to do and sets up where I need him to be. There’s seldom any talk between us when I’m getting ready.
So, gillette, I apologize for taking so long to answer your question. I hope this gives you (and everyone else) a little better idea of what a bullpen catcher does.
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1 opinion for Bullpen Catchers
Pete Kuryla
Jul 1, 2008 at 3:47 am
Hi - I am trying to find out about bullpen catchers in general but more specifically, I’d like to find out who the Bullpen catcher is for the Boston Red Sox. Would you, if you have any of this info send it along to me at my email address?
Thanks you very much.
Pete+ Kuryla
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