Calling the Game: The Coach, Catcher, or Pitcher?
/Erica Hanrahan
When it comes to deciding who should call the game, there are two very different schools of thought—and both have valid points. Before diving into the debate, though, I want to emphasize something I’m incredibly passionate about:
Pitchers need to have full autonomy to shake off a pitch or location call if they feel something else is more appropriate.
This autonomy is critical because pitchers need to own every pitch they throw. If they don’t like a pitch call for any reason, it’s on them to shake it off and get the pitch or location they believe in. That’s how you grow from being a thrower to becoming a pitcher. At the end of the day, the responsibility lies with the person throwing the ball—not the pitch caller.
When pitchers have the power to shake off, they also take on the responsibility for the outcome. If they see or feel something different than what the coach or catcher sees, they should trust that instinct. Right or wrong, this creates an opportunity to learn. After the inning, the pitcher, catcher, and coach should have a quick conversation about what they saw or felt to get on the same page. Don’t wait until after the game—use those moments to grow as a team.
Of course, pitchers will sometimes make mistakes when shaking off a call, but so will coaches and catchers. A called pitch might miss its spot or get hit hard even when executed perfectly. The goal is to learn and grow together as a mini-team within the larger team.
Why Coaches Often Call the Game
If you ask most POWER 4 coaches, they’ll tell you the coach should call the game. Why? Because coaches typically spend hours analyzing film, breaking down hitters’ tendencies, and preparing detailed notes. They have spray charts, stats, and other data to inform their decisions. With all this preparation, a coach is often much better equipped than the pitcher or catcher to make strategic calls, especially the first time through the lineup.
In college, coaches often know the hitters better than anyone else on the field. They’ve seen multiple at-bats, analyzed weaknesses, and developed a strategy to keep hitters off balance. This level of preparation gives them a significant advantage. As the game progresses, the pitcher, catcher, and coach gather more in-game information, but even then, the coach still has access to notes and charts that others don’t.
When I coached at the Division I and III levels—and even in travel, middle school, and high school—I always called the game. With scouting preparation coupled with experience, I could make more informed decisions than the catcher, especially in college, where I had extensive data on each hitter.
When the Catcher Can Call the Game
There are cases where it makes sense for the catcher to call the game. A well-trained catcher has a unique perspective on the field. They can see batter tendencies up close, like foot positioning, stance, and movement in the box. If a coach invests time training their catcher, reviewing film together, and discussing strategies, the catcher can become highly effective at calling the game.
Some coaches who believe in catcher-called games do so because they see the advantages of having someone on the field making decisions in real-time. It also reduces the risk of opponents stealing signs. However, it requires a significant time commitment from the coach to ensure the catcher is ready for that responsibility.
High School and Travel Ball Considerations
At the high school and travel levels, the decision often depends on the specific situation:
Is the coach watching film and preparing ahead of games? If not, the catcher may have a better feel for the game, especially if they work closely with the pitchers in practice.
How experienced is the catcher? A trained, experienced catcher who understands hitters and pitch sequences might be the better option.
Does the coach work with pitchers and catchers regularly? If the coach isn’t involved in bullpens or doesn’t use tools like spray charts or notes, and sends the pitcher and catchers off to the side in practice to get their workout in, the catcher may be more attuned to the game flow.
Every situation is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Ultimately, the best decision depends on the experience, preparation, and communication between the coach, pitcher, and catcher. What matters most is that everyone works together to learn and improve as a team.
