PLAYER DUGOUT RESPONSIBILITIES

Baseball, the most cerebral of games is played and manipulated off the field as well as on. Good teams delegate certain responsibilities to players in the dugout. These “little things” contribute to a winning attitude.

• All the players in the dugout should watch the opposing pitcher as he warms up between , paying close attention to his arm slot and release point. • Players should also pay close attention to the pitcher when their team has a runner on base and quickly communicate any pick-off attempts. • Study pitcher’s “looks” with runners on base. Look for a pattern. • The batter returning to the dugout discusses with the coach and the next hitter the type of pitches the pitcher is throwing, location and movement. • One player is designated as the catcher and also warms up a pitcher between innings if needed. By staying ready with shin guards and mask and hustling to plate he can get his pitcher a few extra pitches if the starting catcher is not ready. • One player is usually assigned to watch opposing runners to see if they touch the bases on extra base hits. • One player counts his pitcher’s pitches with a clicker. Some teams assign a player to the opposing pitcher’s pitches. • One player is assigned to throw to his dugout side outfielder between innings. • The is usually assigned to pick up helmets and bats at the end of each half . • At higher levels a player keeps the scorebook. • Also a pitcher can chart pitches and use the radar gun (your pitcher only). • Talk only baseball in the dugout.

There is a job for everyone.