Though bullpen catchers typically don’t play in the game itself, there are situations in which they can. For example, if a team is short on players, they may call upon a bullpen catcher to fill in. This is usually temporary. Their experience gives advantage in anticipating pitches.
The Life of a Bullpen Catcher
The bullpen catcher, often a former player, warms up pitchers before and during games. Do bullpen catchers travel with the team? Amundson became the Twins bullpen catcher after playing in independent leagues. While not officially a team member, he does enjoy perks like traveling on the charter and staying in five-star hotels.
In-Game Warm-up Routine
- Always wear a jacket to cover arm and shoulder, even on hot days.
- On the way to the mound, do arm and shoulder exercises to loosen muscles.
The bullpen catcher’s main duty is to serve as a catcher when relievers are warming up before a game. They wear a uniform with a number but are not considered coaches. Do bullpen catchers get World Series rings? It’s up to owners – there are no rules.
Despite specialized role, bullpen catchers earn modest salaries of $22,000 to $37,000 yearly compared to players. Pay varies by experience, budget and negotiations.
Most take the job after years of minor league catching. They need to adeptly catch, block balls and keep pitchers happy.
Career Path and Responsibilities
The first full-time bullpen catcher was Gary Waits of the Cincinnati Reds in 1970. He stayed until 1978. The job can lead to MLB coaching. Building relationships and pitching knowledge helps bullpen catchers become coaches, often starting in the minors.
Serving as a second set of eyes – Since they have a clear vantage point from the bullpen, bullpen catchers can watch the on-field action and provide information to relief pitchers about game situations, umpire strike zones, and how pitches are moving. Communicating with coaches – They relay information between the coaching staff and relief pitchers about when a pitcher needs to begin warmups to enter a game.
Understanding the Active Roster
Also known for decades as the 25-man roster and now as the 26-man roster, the active roster is the list of players who are available to play in a given game. Until 2020, during most of the regular season and all of the post-season, this roster was limited to 25 players. There was an exception for an extra player in doubleheaders, known as the 26th man rule. In 2020, the limit was increased to 26 players, and for the first time a limit was placed on the number of pitchers – 13.