MLB Catcher's Pre-Throw "Cheat Moves" 

Where is the "cheat move"?

As a former catcher way back in school, there was nothing I loved more that mowing down a baserunner attempting to steal. These were great clips, really enjoy your content, cheers!

Obviously that footwork makes it easier to throw out runners so not doing it all the time is because it makes it harder to block bad pitches I would guess.

It looked like most of the catcher’s touched the back of their catcher’s mitt to the ground just as the pitcher was finishing his pre-pitch motion. (I don’t know if catcher’s routinely touch their mitt to the ground on every pitch, I was looking for a pre pitch motion- and that’s all I saw that was consistent.)

As a former pitcher, I can see exactly how this is working. While I don't know if it's cheating or just taking advantage, I'll give my perspective. A pitcher usually looks left to 1st base to watch the runner and look for clues for a steal to 2nd. Here, in these clips, they all rely on the pitcher and catcher silently communicating with each other just before the pitcher releases the ball. They may have agreed on a curve or straight ball pitch, but because the pitcher is already in the pitch windup, he can't see what the runner is doing. The catcher can, and sees the runner going for it. He signals to the pitcher and the pitcher throws just outside straight to the catcher, knowing the batter won't stretch for a ball pitch. I have to say, while I don't condone cheating, it is pretty crafty. Good looking out and presenting these examples @Catching101

2:55. Base runner is safe but called him out.

We used to practice that in Little league, but never successfully completed it in a game.

That’s what I thought!

It's quick feet and the exchange glove to hand..moving your chest to wind up.and throw it sounds easy but it's not...I used to be an outfielder with a lolli pop.arm when I was a kid...I played 10 uears of softball throwing a softball...I went and played a baseball men's league and wanted to try catcher..now I had an arm and was fast to begin with...I threw everyone out..just about who ran on me..when I had a good 2nd basemen or shortstop...I would just throw it to them on the fly..not at the base...I even picked off runners ....have the first baseman lean off close to the runner and throw it straight to them...I had a good.time playing in thay league..had a kid and stopped.for.him...I know it wasn't major league talent I was throwing out but same mechnics...also, when I k ow I'd throw some out or a perfect throw..I'd tell gott cha...which may ir may not influence the umpire...

It's not cheating when you call for a pitch on the opposite batter's box, it's called a pitch out

Catchers prepping their feet for the throw during the pitch.

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