Kyle Higashioka: The Unsung Hero Behind the Pinstripes

Introduction

In the tapestry of the New York Yankees' storied history, one name often goes unmentioned: Kyle Higashioka. Despite his modest stats and limited playing time, Higashioka has emerged as an indispensable figure behind the plate, providing invaluable leadership and support to the team's pitching staff.

Early Life and Career

Kyle Higashioka was born in Laguna Hills, California, on December 20, 1990. His father, Alan Higashioka, was a professional baseball player who played for the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Kyle inherited his father's athletic genes and excelled in baseball from a young age.

Higashioka attended Cal State Fullerton, where he played catcher for the Titans. He was a standout performer, earning First Team All-Big West honors in 2012 and 2013. The Yankees selected him in the seventh round of the 2012 MLB Draft.

Rise to the Majors

Higashioka spent several years in the Yankees' minor league system, honing his catching skills and developing as a leader. He made his MLB debut in 2016, appearing in 13 games as a backup catcher to Gary Sanchez.

Over the next several years, Higashioka played a limited role, sharing catching duties with Sanchez. However, his contributions went beyond his on-field performance. He became known as a skilled pitch framer, adept at guiding the ball into the strike zone with subtle hand movements.

Leadership and Mentorship

In 2021, with Sanchez traded to the Minnesota Twins, Higashioka assumed the starting catching role for the Yankees. He played in a career-high 93 games, providing stability and guidance to the pitching staff.

Higashioka's leadership style is understated but effective. He is a quiet and humble player who leads by example, earning the respect of his teammates. He is also a skilled communicator and has fostered strong relationships with the Yankees' pitchers.

"He's a great leader," said Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. "He knows how to handle our pitching staff. He's very smart and has a great feel for the game."

Defensive Excellence

While Higashioka may not be known for his offensive prowess, his defensive skills are exceptional. He has a strong arm and quick reflexes, making him one of the best catchers in MLB at throwing out basestealers.

According to Statcast, Higashioka had a 93.4% caught stealing rate in 2022, the highest among all MLB catchers. He is also a gifted pitch framer, consistently ranking among the league leaders in framing runs saved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Higashioka's success is not without its challenges. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when playing the catcher position:

• Poor pitch framing: Failing to properly frame pitches can lead to called strikes being turned into balls, giving an advantage to the opposing batters.
• Lack of communication: Ineffective communication with pitchers can result in misunderstandings and poor execution of pitches.
• Inconsistent blocking: Failing to block pitches cleanly can lead to passed balls and wild pitches, allowing runners to advance.

How to Step-by-Step Approach to Improve as a Catcher

Follow these steps to improve your catching skills:

1. Develop a strong foundation: Focus on fundamentals such as proper stance, footwork, and hand positioning.
2. Practice pitch framing: Engage in drills that simulate different pitch types and locations, aiming to frame the ball within the strike zone.
3. Improve communication: Build strong relationships with pitchers and work together to understand their pitch sequences and preferences.
4. Enhance blocking skills: Dedicate time to practicing blocking ground balls and low pitches, ensuring a clean and secure catch.
5. Study the game: Analyze opposing batters' tendencies and adjust your defensive strategy accordingly.

Pros and Cons of Playing Catcher

Pros:

• Leadership opportunities: Catchers are often regarded as the leaders of the defense, playing a crucial role in calling pitches and managing the game.
• Defensive impact: Catchers have a direct influence on the success of the pitching staff, preventing runs through effective pitch framing and blocking skills.
• Strong work ethic: The catcher position demands a high level of dedication and work ethic, fostering discipline and perseverance.

Cons:

• Physical demands: Catchers endure significant physical strain due to constant squatting and handling foul tips.
• High risk of injury: The position involves high risk of concussions, hand injuries, and other physical ailments.
• Limited offensive opportunities: Catchers typically have fewer at-bats compared to other positions, resulting in lower offensive stats.

Conclusion

Kyle Higashioka's journey to becoming the Yankees' starting catcher is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and leadership abilities. Despite his unassuming presence, he has carved out an essential role within the team, providing stability and guidance to the pitching staff.

As a catcher, Higashioka exemplifies the importance of defensive excellence, effective communication, and unwavering leadership. He serves as an inspiration for aspiring catchers and demonstrates that even those who play behind the scenes can make a significant contribution to the game of baseball.