If you have wondered why baseball caps have a button on top, Juan Bustabad has a good explanation.
“The proper way to field a ground ball is to look the ball into your glove,” says Bustabad, manager of the Kane County Cougars pro baseball team in Geneva. “When I can see the button on a player’s cap, I know he is keeping his eye on the ball all the way into the mitt.”
Bustabad conducts kids’ baseball camps in the Miami area during fall and winter. He and Tom Pile, who recently coached downstate Edwardsville High School to the state AA championship, are two experts on fielding a ground ball effectively and safely. Here’s what they had to say:
Pulling the head and eyes up before the ball hits the glove is a common mistake. It creates a bad habit and could cause injuries. “Your chin should be close to your chest,” Bustabad said. “Don’t rush yourself. You can’t do anything with the ball unless you catch it first.”
Field as many fly balls or ground balls as possible each day to train your body and mind to work together. Use a tennis ball or rubber baseball against a wall if there is no one around to hit to you. As a bonus of all this practice, players lose their fear of the ball. “It usually doesn’t hurt to take one in the chest or arm as much as kids might think,” Pile said.
Catch the ball in front of you. When it’s between your legs, it’s too late.
Always be moving toward the ball, even if it’s a baby step. Footwork is key to becoming a good fielder.
Stay square in front of the ball. Your feet should be parallel when you are in the act of catching the ball.
Keep your knees and elbows bent. You stay more fluid and able to react without going off-balance. “People talk about `soft’ hands,” Pile said, “but it’s really soft elbows.”
Use both hands as the throwing hand covers the ball once it is in the glove.
“The one-handed stuff is fancy and nice,” Bustabad said, but doesn’t help you learn the proper technique.
