Not sure how many on here remember or not ~ But back in the late ‘70’s - early ‘80’s, the Royals had a switch hitting shortstop, U.L. Washington. He played every inning of every game (batting and fielding) with a toothpick in his mouth. I remember he would constantly be flipping the toothpick around with his tongue, right up until the pitch was thrown!! Interesting little nugget of baseball history - U.L. was on 1B for George Brett’s famous “pine tar HR” off of Yankee’s (then rookie) reliever, Goose Gossage…
Matt i watched your video of the infield practice with the Philly. The night before my grandson had a practice with MLB Reds player retired Kyle Daniels and he was teaching my 9 year old the same thing as what T. Turner was doing. My grandson watched the video and loved it. Keep up the good work.
I'm going to a cubs game in may im getting tickets this week I've never been inside of Wrigley ive been outside of it once but couldn't find last minute tickets
his explanations are fantastic but it's amazing that all this video is about can be applicable to recreational baseball and softball, just at a more elite level.
Love these videos. Loved the part about what you’re thinking during an at bat. My question is now when your watching a game do you still find yourself calculating pitches? Or what are some of things your thinking about having played the game now watching it?
Yes I think this way during every at bat while watching lol. When I watch with my son, I must say 150 times to him “what pitch are you throwing here?” Or I’ll say “fastball in, he has no chance.” He always says “how did you know that!?” He thinks I’m magic lol
Good stuff, Matt. I see the San Diego jerseys behind you. Did you ever work with my old buddy Bob Cluck? Got to know Bob in the ‘77 FSL when he was Director of Player Development in the Astros minor league system. I was the clubby back then. Fun guy and genuine. We still talk, along with Jimmy Johnson who was a manager/coach in Houston’s farm system. Great memories hanging around those guys. Keep up the good work
Guessing on what the next pitch will be will usually causing more harm than good. I was a catcher all through my college years and there was no way a hitter is going to out guess me on the next pitch. I always was in the batters ear, somehow! My best phrase was to say “Now give that good pitch right here”! I knew that most hitters were thinking…what was his good pitch and where does he want to through it! Worked pretty good for my pitcher!!
I remember a major league player who I got to know telling me that when he went to the plate to bat one time, the catcher said to him, "Hey we're pretty lucky to be doing this for a living." I think he knew the catcher because that's kind of a personal thing to say.
All I can think of now is Tom Berenger in Major League talking smack to the Yankees players. "...And that guy she was with? I’m sure he’s a close personal friend and all, but tell me, what was he doing with her panties on his head?” “Uh-oh, Rexy. Don’t think this one’s got the distance.”
@antonelli baseball. Is it legal for a MLB catcher to talk or yell to distract the hitter? I know it would be a bush league move.....just curious if there is a specific rule about catcher's behavior with hitter in the box.
As an umpire, I’ve had chatty catchers. They’re usually the team clown so I enjoy riffing with them between pitches and innings. It usually starts at about the 12 yo all the way to 40+. It’s really fun when a 20 something catcher complains about his aches and pains and I get to remind him that I’m close to 3x his age and I can still run around the field as needed. I did play the game for 30+ years before becoming an umpire.
I've heard it said that Yogi Berra was the greatest talker with hitters, yappin' constantly. There was one story (don't know who) of a catcher yappin' away, and the hitter hits a bomb, watches its flight for a moment, turns to the catcher and says, ''Hold that thought, I'll be right back.'' (As he circles the bases.) ''Guess hitters'' - calculating what might the next pitch be? I've wondered for years - Are there hitters who's mechanics are so good, and so spontaneous and flexible that they don't guess, and just react to any kind of pitch that's thrown (in the stirke zone)? Good talk, bro. I subscribed.
I was a catcher so id always walk up and say whats up boys or ask the catcher how hes feeling back there. Sometimes I would chat with them a little more about catcher stuff. Man its hot back there today or that was a nice frame earlier or w.e. i was always chatty.
I was a bar league softball catcher for several years and I would always say things to batters trying to get them off their game, "does your sponsor buy the first round after games ?" "How much is a pitcher of beer there ?" Anything to distract them.
I'm not a baseball fan but I like listening to this guy. Real question here: How about trash talking between the hitter and the catcher? You know, like in the movies. The Sandlot comes to mind.
I know Matt you were never a pitcher or a catcher at a pro level, but generally based on what you have seen, what are the challenges related to the language barrier between pitchers and catchers considering a certain number of MLB/MILB players are more at ease in other language than in English? It must be difficult, especially at a low minor-league level for some players when (let's say) the pitcher speaks very little English and the catcher is not at ease in (let's say) Spanish as pitchers and catchers need to communicate.
All of them speak baseball. Many players grow up learning multiple languages. I live in LA and many kids grow up in dual language homes. Mike Piazza spoke English, Italian, Spanish and a bit of Japanese.
Been a catcher and I can tell you that it made a huge difference for me to learn some spanish. Not only is communicating easier, it also shows your pitcher that you care for him. Learn some basic words and phrases and you‘re good to go.
I have always wondered how the pay works. Does the team send the check to the player, direct deposit or does it go to the agent/ management first? How does that work?
Regarding manager-umpire arguments, do umpires and managers hang out off seasons, are they friends? Will go to a bar/restaurant after the game? Please discuss
As a catcher I hated talking to hitters. But when you know a hitter doesn’t want to talk I could become pretty chatty. I’d talk to umpires because I want him to like me. If the hitter doesn’t talk me and the umpire are going to talk about why you don’t talk. The only thing I really enjoyed doing was to start talking to the umpire between pitches (Matt thinks he’s up 2-0 so he has to get a fastball. He forgets that ole Jim likes to throw curves for strikes when he is behind. We are going low and away with good old number 2 and he’s just going to sit and watch.” You’d be amazed at how often good hitters would sit and watch a pitcher throw exactly what I just told them he was going to throw.
As a former catcher, I can confirm that the catcher and umpire can get more chatty. You talk about where you went to dinner, the basketball game last night…all sorts of stuff. More than one hitter has told us to shut the hell up. But I mean you’re standing next to each other for two hours…
Did you ever make an umpire laugh, like really laugh, whether it was intentional or not? If so, were they cool about it or did they seem a little pissed about it, maybe even mad at themselves? Great insight, thanks for sharing. 👍
The clock won't allow players to talk very long. In college alot of the guys I played against I had played against in Little League, High School, or American Legion so it was fun to rag them about girlfriends, etc. Some guys would get very upset. So much fun.
to me umpires and catchers are the bravest men , to stand in front of a 100 mph pitch and get hit sometimes, and take it, damn! or have it get deflected off the bat and get it in the chest or head , even with the pads and such, that still hurts.
What about when you get to first base. It looks to me like the first baseman is always talking about something. Even when the runner is taking a lead and the pitcher tries to pick him off
Sean Casey is called the mayor because of his tendency to talk to everyone when they reached first. Freddie Freeman probably the current day equivalent. th-cam.com/users/shorts9qY7kZWVD00
How do players with really unusual batting stances or pitching styles get so far? Of course some variation is expected, but don't coaches minimize a lot of that kind of thing?
This may sound like a silly question. Can a player really see what kinda ball is coming. This is happening so fast. Or just major league players reflexes just that good. How do u see a95 plus mph fast ball or slider.
Yes you can see it, but it’s almost like a subconscious move. Not enough time to think. But you pick up on the subtle cues of the ball. The way it comes out of the hand a little different. The small change in trajectory of the ball. The shade of the ball as it comes towards you. Your eyes have seen this thousands of times and starts to figure it out. The harder the pitcher throws the harder it is to do though, that’s for sure
@@AntonelliBaseball thanks for responding. I’ve played as a kid and I still watch a lot of baseball. Guess that’s why you guys are the best of the best
I made a point of talking to the hitter every chance I had to try to throw him off lol. Nobody ever told me to shut up though or I would know I'm under his skin. I have had umpires tell to just play ball lol. But I wasn't in pro ball either.
Got any naked pictures of your wife?...wanna see some? [After a bad swing] I've got a better swing on my porch. [After a called strike] I didn't know Louis Vuitton is selling shoulder accessories now. [Late game at bat and the batter is 0-3] I've got a friend, Owen Three. Have you met him? No?...You're about to meet his brother Owen Four in a few minutes.
What do you think when you are running the bases and you are called safe but you know that you were definitely out? Why hasn't an honor code ever emerged in baseball like it has in some other pro competition? For example, in the cue sport snooker, it is HIGHLY looked down upon if you do not call a foul on yourself if you have, in fact, fouled (touching a ball with any part of your body, double tapping a cued ball, etc.). th-cam.com/video/nn_wTYLTBHY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BKUk02aQl6pQE4GI
At the very amateur level, same thing when I was catching. The first time up, common human social courtesy, say Hello. After that, comment on something interesting, but don't entertain everyone around the plate.
I would say "hi", or if I was feeling silly, I would tell the catcher where I like the pitch. If I knew them I would ask how's their wife and "my kids". Just talk shit. My favorite was to ask if they had naked pictures of their wife/girlfriend/mother, and when they would say, "no", I would respond, "Want some?"
I would have liked to watch this Video, but not even A full minute in ? TH-cam adds ?! Nope, I'll end here by stating. TH-cam stop being so Cheap. And money grabbing on short Video's. JEEEEEEZ ?!
These semingly minor things are what makes these videos so special.
What videos?
Not sure how many on here remember or not ~ But back in the late ‘70’s - early ‘80’s, the Royals had a switch hitting shortstop, U.L. Washington. He played every inning of every game (batting and fielding) with a toothpick in his mouth. I remember he would constantly be flipping the toothpick around with his tongue, right up until the pitch was thrown!! Interesting little nugget of baseball history - U.L. was on 1B for George Brett’s famous “pine tar HR” off of Yankee’s (then rookie) reliever, Goose Gossage…
RIP to him
I'm just a casual fan but you post very interesting stories and insights. Thank you.
Pleasant surprise seeing you in my feed again, awesome video as usual! Thanks
3:40 I remember seeing Matt Holliday spitting sunflower seeds mid swing. 😂
Matt i watched your video of the infield practice with the Philly. The night before my grandson had a practice with MLB Reds player retired Kyle Daniels and he was teaching my 9 year old the same thing as what T. Turner was doing. My grandson watched the video and loved it. Keep up the good work.
I'm going to a cubs game in may im getting tickets this week I've never been inside of Wrigley ive been outside of it once but couldn't find last minute tickets
his explanations are fantastic but it's amazing that all this video is about can be applicable to recreational baseball and softball, just at a more elite level.
Interesting stories. Thank you.
Matt walks to the plate, "Hey Chris, how you doing?". Chris Iannetta looks at Matt in a way that says, "Get in the box, rookie".
Crazy how bad a hitter you can be but still play till 36 in MLB . Dude couldn't hit his weight but with all due respect someone paid him to stink 😂
@@tacotom3492fun fact - he hit EXACTLY his listed weight for his career. .230
Love these videos. Loved the part about what you’re thinking during an at bat. My question is now when your watching a game do you still find yourself calculating pitches? Or what are some of things your thinking about having played the game now watching it?
Yes I think this way during every at bat while watching lol. When I watch with my son, I must say 150 times to him “what pitch are you throwing here?” Or I’ll say “fastball in, he has no chance.” He always says “how did you know that!?” He thinks I’m magic lol
This is like a great interview without even a host interrupting.
These stories are gold. Keep it coming. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for posting.
Good stuff, Matt. I see the San Diego jerseys behind you. Did you ever work with my old buddy Bob Cluck? Got to know Bob in the ‘77 FSL when he was Director of Player Development in the Astros minor league system. I was the clubby back then. Fun guy and genuine. We still talk, along with Jimmy Johnson who was a manager/coach in Houston’s farm system. Great memories hanging around those guys. Keep up the good work
Guessing on what the next pitch will be will usually causing more harm than good. I was a catcher all through my college years and there was no way a hitter is going to out guess me on the next pitch. I always was in the batters ear, somehow! My best phrase was to say “Now give that good pitch right here”! I knew that most hitters were thinking…what was his good pitch and where does he want to through it! Worked pretty good for my pitcher!!
I love Molina. When hit the cycle, was AWESOME. I love the 2010 Rangers. Such a great team, with a bunch of great guys!
As was so eloquently stated by the announcer after his last AB tripple..."PIGS DO FLY!" No comparison to anything else in BB history.
According to the movies Sandlot and Major League, nothing good is spoken between the catcher and the hitter.
“It’s gonna be a short game I gotta get home for lunch”
hahahaha@@AntonelliBaseball
I remember a major league player who I got to know telling me that when he went to the plate to bat one time, the catcher said to him, "Hey we're pretty lucky to be doing this for a living." I think he knew the catcher because that's kind of a personal thing to say.
Love it, the cat that bugged you the most was from your early teens!
All I can think of now is Tom Berenger in Major League talking smack to the Yankees players.
"...And that guy she was with? I’m sure he’s a close personal friend and all, but tell me, what was he doing with her panties on his head?”
“Uh-oh, Rexy. Don’t think this one’s got the distance.”
Dude, Manny blows bubbles sometimes when he's hitting. That's funny you mention that.
@antonelli baseball. Is it legal for a MLB catcher to talk or yell to distract the hitter? I know it would be a bush league move.....just curious if there is a specific rule about catcher's behavior with hitter in the box.
As an umpire, I’ve had chatty catchers. They’re usually the team clown so I enjoy riffing with them between pitches and innings. It usually starts at about the 12 yo all the way to 40+. It’s really fun when a 20 something catcher complains about his aches and pains and I get to remind him that I’m close to 3x his age and I can still run around the field as needed. I did play the game for 30+ years before becoming an umpire.
Love these vids!
I've heard it said that Yogi Berra was the greatest talker with hitters, yappin' constantly. There was one story (don't know who) of a catcher yappin' away, and the hitter hits a bomb, watches its flight for a moment, turns to the catcher and says, ''Hold that thought, I'll be right back.'' (As he circles the bases.)
''Guess hitters'' - calculating what might the next pitch be? I've wondered for years - Are there hitters who's mechanics are so good, and so spontaneous and flexible that they don't guess, and just react to any kind of pitch that's thrown (in the stirke zone)? Good talk, bro. I subscribed.
Fascinating post!
When you talk about calculating next pitch based on scenario and pitcher could you pull up in game clips and break them down?
Yeah sure thing!
I was a catcher so id always walk up and say whats up boys or ask the catcher how hes feeling back there. Sometimes I would chat with them a little more about catcher stuff. Man its hot back there today or that was a nice frame earlier or w.e. i was always chatty.
I was a bar league softball catcher for several years and I would always say things to batters trying to get them off their game, "does your sponsor buy the first round after games ?" "How much is a pitcher of beer there ?" Anything to distract them.
I'm not a baseball fan but I like listening to this guy. Real question here: How about trash talking between the hitter and the catcher? You know, like in the movies. The Sandlot comes to mind.
I know Matt you were never a pitcher or a catcher at a pro level, but generally based on what you have seen, what are the challenges related to the language barrier between pitchers and catchers considering a certain number of MLB/MILB players are more at ease in other language than in English? It must be difficult, especially at a low minor-league level for some players when (let's say) the pitcher speaks very little English and the catcher is not at ease in (let's say) Spanish as pitchers and catchers need to communicate.
All of them speak baseball. Many players grow up learning multiple languages. I live in LA and many kids grow up in dual language homes. Mike Piazza spoke English, Italian, Spanish and a bit of Japanese.
Been a catcher and I can tell you that it made a huge difference for me to learn some spanish. Not only is communicating easier, it also shows your pitcher that you care for him. Learn some basic words and phrases and you‘re good to go.
Interesting insight!
It's too bad that the pitch clock will change that small part of the game!
Is there much banter between batter and umpire?
Just curious, are you related to Johnny Antonelli, MLB pitcher in the 50's? Great videos ... Thanks
Thanks! And I am not, but I get asked all the time
I have always wondered how the pay works. Does the team send the check to the player, direct deposit or does it go to the agent/ management first? How does that work?
Regarding manager-umpire arguments, do umpires and managers hang out off seasons, are they friends? Will go to a bar/restaurant after the game? Please discuss
Jake Taylor in the movie Major League he says this one looks like it’s got the distance lol
As a catcher I hated talking to hitters. But when you know a hitter doesn’t want to talk I could become pretty chatty. I’d talk to umpires because I want him to like me. If the hitter doesn’t talk me and the umpire are going to talk about why you don’t talk. The only thing I really enjoyed doing was to start talking to the umpire between pitches (Matt thinks he’s up 2-0 so he has to get a fastball. He forgets that ole Jim likes to throw curves for strikes when he is behind. We are going low and away with good old number 2 and he’s just going to sit and watch.” You’d be amazed at how often good hitters would sit and watch a pitcher throw exactly what I just told them he was going to throw.
As a former catcher, I can confirm that the catcher and umpire can get more chatty. You talk about where you went to dinner, the basketball game last night…all sorts of stuff. More than one hitter has told us to shut the hell up. But I mean you’re standing next to each other for two hours…
Did you ever make an umpire laugh, like really laugh, whether it was intentional or not? If so, were they cool about it or did they seem a little pissed about it, maybe even mad at themselves? Great insight, thanks for sharing. 👍
The clock won't allow players to talk very long. In college alot of the guys I played against I had played against in Little League, High School, or American Legion so it was fun to rag them about girlfriends, etc. Some guys would get very upset. So much fun.
Step up to the plate: "Hey, Bob. Bite me, Angel."
My friend plays in a men's league and he always asks the catcher "How's your wife and my kids?"
😂😂😂
From Bull Durham, right?
Edit: it was the movie Major League.
Was a catcher for 30 years and got that a lot. My usual answer: "The wife is good but the kids are stupid as f***"
Yup one of my go to’s now as well lol
to me umpires and catchers are the bravest men , to stand in front of a 100 mph pitch and get hit sometimes, and take it, damn! or have it get deflected off the bat and get it in the chest or head , even with the pads and such, that still hurts.
Yea, more of the "What batters are thinking/looking for/etc" stuff would be interesting.
What about when you get to first base. It looks to me like the first baseman is always talking about something. Even when the runner is taking a lead and the pitcher tries to pick him off
I have a video talking about that, but yes more talking at 1B than anywhere else
Sean Casey is called the mayor because of his tendency to talk to everyone when they reached first. Freddie Freeman probably the current day equivalent. th-cam.com/users/shorts9qY7kZWVD00
How do players with really unusual batting stances or pitching styles get so far? Of course some variation is expected, but don't coaches minimize a lot of that kind of thing?
Why fixi it if it ain´t broken? I would never mess with a batter´s stance if he´s hitting .300
I would say they start out unusual, but as they load and stride their swings 'normalize'.
Adam jones hit like 80 home runs while blowing a bubble. Robbed a few home runs doing it too
This may sound like a silly question. Can a player really see what kinda ball is coming. This is happening so fast. Or just major league players reflexes just that good. How do u see a95 plus mph fast ball or slider.
Yes you can see it, but it’s almost like a subconscious move. Not enough time to think. But you pick up on the subtle cues of the ball. The way it comes out of the hand a little different. The small change in trajectory of the ball. The shade of the ball as it comes towards you. Your eyes have seen this thousands of times and starts to figure it out. The harder the pitcher throws the harder it is to do though, that’s for sure
@@AntonelliBaseball thanks for responding. I’ve played as a kid and I still watch a lot of baseball. Guess that’s why you guys are the best of the best
Some players say you can see a red dot when a slider is thrown.
Old school, watch the ball ⚾️
As a person who has caught for nearly 40 years there doesn’t seem to be any in between with catchers. We’re either cool or a red ass.
Haha true!!
I see the infielders talking a lot to the runners, especially first baseman, is that the same type of thing?
what is the diet like for pro guys and how do so many get so fat
I made a point of talking to the hitter every chance I had to try to throw him off lol. Nobody ever told me to shut up though or I would know I'm under his skin. I have had umpires tell to just play ball lol. But I wasn't in pro ball either.
Does anyone ever say, “how’s your wife and my kids”
Got any naked pictures of your wife?...wanna see some?
[After a bad swing] I've got a better swing on my porch.
[After a called strike] I didn't know Louis Vuitton is selling shoulder accessories now.
[Late game at bat and the batter is 0-3] I've got a friend, Owen Three. Have you met him? No?...You're about to meet his brother Owen Four in a few minutes.
Would it be unsportsmanlike to ask the ump and catcher to keep the chatter down?
What do you think when you are running the bases and you are called safe but you know that you were definitely out? Why hasn't an honor code ever emerged in baseball like it has in some other pro competition? For example, in the cue sport snooker, it is HIGHLY looked down upon if you do not call a foul on yourself if you have, in fact, fouled (touching a ball with any part of your body, double tapping a cued ball, etc.). th-cam.com/video/nn_wTYLTBHY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BKUk02aQl6pQE4GI
The Blonde in the
Third Row❗
At the very amateur level, same thing when I was catching. The first time up, common human social courtesy, say Hello. After that, comment on something interesting, but don't entertain everyone around the plate.
With the pitch clock the hitter seems to mostly ignore the catcher now, funny "scarring" story.
Jerry Grote was BIG league to the opposition 😂😂😂
Anything that comes up
Maybe throw a hat on there champ
So most MLB catchers aren't like Ham Porter.
"You know, if my dog was as ugly as you. I'd shave his butt and tell him to walk backwards"
I would say "hi", or if I was feeling silly, I would tell the catcher where I like the pitch. If I knew them I would ask how's their wife and "my kids". Just talk shit. My favorite was to ask if they had naked pictures of their wife/girlfriend/mother, and when they would say, "no", I would respond, "Want some?"
lol @ 17 Molina's
Matt I have a good barber if you need one lol
lol this video was filmed a few weeks ago right before I went haha
Next up, What do hitters and 1B talk about?
Already got one lol
“How's your wife and my kids?”
👍👍
"Check out the blonde babe sitting behind our dugout.
I would have liked to watch this Video, but not even A full minute in ?
TH-cam adds ?! Nope, I'll end here by stating. TH-cam stop being so Cheap.
And money grabbing on short Video's.
JEEEEEEZ ?!
Can you tell the umpire to keep his mouth shut?
Don't shoot the messenger but you look like you need a rest.
I don’t get tired
@@AntonelliBaseball let me guess you got 6 jobs too.
This video is useless without some real video. So many home-plate Umps with cameras these days.
No clock no crying yet you candies cry it is not baseball, it is greed. Sad
Maybe you would have hit better if you talked or chewed bubblegum during your at bat and focused less and be more relaxed lol jk 😜
Matt, you need a new barber. Thanks.
Geez… get a hairdresser
I can't remember.
Nice preparation
Some stories just come to me as I’m talking. I get an idea and then go. Sorry to upset you.