April 30th, 2019 at 9:00 am 
by 0799291000348 You will not find it in the box score, or even in the most detailed scorebook, but Russell Martin put on a catching clinic during the Dodgers April 28 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dodgers should edit the game video to highlight Martin’s defensive techniques and distribute it to each of their catchers throughout the entire organization as an example of how the catching position should be played – period.
Martin’s strategic pitch-calling, in combination with the shifting of his glove for the pitchers to target was reminiscent of a maestro conducting an orchestra through a complex symphony. His deftness of “wrapping” the glove around borderline pitches and the ever-so-subtle movement of the glove toward the strike-zone, in one-fluid-motion, were as skillful as a master illusionist manipulating a deck of cards. And Martin’s quickness at blocking balls in the dirt, reaching for errant pitches, and pouncing on loose balls would make a National Hockey League goalie envious.
Hyperbole you say? Ok, fair point. However, sometimes exaggeration is needed to drive home a particular point. In this case, Martin’s catching defense was and has consistently been nothing short of terrific and deserving of every fans’ admiration. But Martin likely thought of it as nothing special. Just another day at the office while wearing the Tools of ignorance. *
There is another attribute of Martin that is more nuanced – his leadership. All one has to do is watch the interaction of Martin with his teammates and coaches to know that he is a respected leader on and off the field. His leadership qualities have been a key element of the camaraderie amongst the first place 2019 Dodgers that goes a long way toward team success.
(Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)
Glad you’re back with the Dodgers Russell. We missed you.
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* Tools of ignorance is a nickname for a catcher’s protective equipment: catcher’s mask, chest protector, and shin guards. Different sources have credited Muddy Ruel and Bill Dickey with coining the phrase. According to either version, the usage was meant to be ironic, contrasting the intelligence needed by a catcher to handle the duties of the position with the foolishness needed to play a position hazardous enough to require so much protective equipment.
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Another thing I like about the acquisition of Martin from the Blue Jays this past offseason: gives near MLB-ready C prospect Will Smith extra time to work on any glaring weaknesses in his game in the meantime down at AAA OKC. If there’s one thing this Dodger organization can’t stress enough, it’s the fact that you can NEVER have too much depth! Good write-up, btw.
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Great stuff, Jesse. I thought it was a good move bringing Martin back. Even if he was batting like last year his defense is so out of this world he’s worth it. I’ve always considered offense a bonus with catchers. Defense has to come first.
“Martin’s quickness at blocking balls in the dirt, reaching for errant pitches, and pouncing on loose balls would make a National Hockey League goalie envious.” Two years ago I compared Austin Barnes’ defense with former Kings goalie Rogie Vachon.