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The Backpick PodcastAuthor: Brett Thomas Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Details of Catching with Tyler Heineman, Toronto Blue Jays
Episode 8
Monday, 15 June, 2026
Ever wondered what a Major League catcher really thinks about when the ball is flying at 100 mph? Join Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heinemann as he breaks down the elite art of receiving, blocking, and managing a big league pitching staff from the perspective of a true technician. In this episode of the Back Pick Podcast, host Brett Thomas sits down with Tyler to nerd out on the technical side of the catching craft. Tyler shares his unique insights on why he views the game from an over the shoulder umpire perspective and how he adjusts his setup for different pitchers like Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt. We dive deep into the upcoming ABS challenge system, the mechanics of the one knee down stance, and the selfless mentality required to be an elite backup catcher in the MLB. Whether you are a young player looking to improve your blocking or a fan who wants to understand the nuances of the strike zone, this conversation covers everything you need to know about the most demanding position on the field. Chapters 0:00 Intro and Blue Jays Season Recap 4:20 The Mentality and Role of a Backup Catcher 8:45 Defensive Goals and Offseason Improvements 11:55 Catering Setups to Elite Pitchers 15:40 Communication with Pitchers and Coaches 19:30 Receiving Mechanics and the Umpires View 24:10 Understanding the Umpire Buffer Zone and Hawkeye 28:50 How the ABS Challenge System Works 33:40 Game Strategy for Successful Challenges 38:15 Blocking Techniques and One Knee Down Benefits 42:45 Lateral Blocking and Pitch Movement Calculations 47:10 The Mental Approach to Blocking and Relaxation 49:30 Toronto Food Recommendations and Closing If you enjoyed this deep dive into the craft of catching, make sure to like the video and subscribe to the channel. We bring you expert insights from the best in the game every other week. Don't forget to follow us on social media for more tips and drills. #baseball #catching #bluejays #mlb #catcher
