The catcher must be one of the fastest thinking players on the field;
- He must work with the pitcher to call the next pitch. (This controls the tempo of the game, and by helping the pitcher vary his pitches he helps to confuse the batter.)
- He must be constantly watching the base paths for steal attempts. (He must be ready to signal the pitcher to throw if the pitcher still has the ball, or if the pitch has already been delivered, he must be ready to catch and instantly throw the ball the break up the attempt.)
- He must be ready to spring from his position to chase fouls and wild pitches
Unsurprisingly because of the need to be quick thinking, catchers often make the best team managers.