Maybe there isn’t a definite answer. But I see a lot of signs being given. Manager/3rd base coach/catcher/pitcher. If the manager/staff is calling the pitches, I presume it is based on the batter’s stats. Yet, there are still hits/home runs. Sometimes a pitcher will shake off the catcher’s sign. So apparently he has some input. Any idea what is really going on?
You’re asking who’s calling the PITCHES.
It’s generally the catcher and pitcher. It’s not usually the case that the managers and coaches would signal pitches; pitch selection is generally determined for each batter and situation well ahead of time. They may signal for pitchouts, interntional walks, pitcharounds, and in special instances. But usually pitchers and catchers work together to decide what to pitch next (and the pitcher shaking off a sign often means “I didn’t quite get that, do it again.”)
Forget about the curveball, Ricky. Give him the heater.
“Why are you shaking me off?”
“I want to give him the heat and announce my presence with authority!”
Thank you RickJay. I like that answer. I see the catcher glancing at the dugout then he gives the sign to the pitcher; so I just thought every pitch was called from there. Glad it isn’t like that. Thanks again.
The 1st and 3rd base coaches are with team that’s at bat, so they have nothing to do with calling pitches. The 3rd base coach gives signals to hitters about whether to bunt, swing away, hit-and-run, etc.
The catchers, pitchers and coaching staff spend a lot of time going over the strengths and weaknesses of opposing hitters. The catcher and pitcher will usually have some sort of plan for how to pitch to each hitter. The catcher will call the pitches, and the pitcher will usually go with what the catcher calls for. If the pitcher and catcher have developed a good plan and know each other well, the pitcher will often know in advance what the catcher will call for.
The pitcher still has to execute the pitch, though, which means throwing it with the right speed and the right spin to the right location. One thing that distinguishes a good pitcher is the ability to do this consistently - a pitcher who can’t do this is likely to give up a lot of hits and walks. But even good pitches get hit sometimes, especially by the best batters.