Brent Mayne Discusses Catching, and What Current Player Reminds Him of Himself

Over his fifteen year career, Brent Mayne caught 1,143 games at the Major League level. He spent most his career with the Kansas City Royals, and even won a game as a relief pitcher for the Colorado Rockies. Mayne was generous enough to take the time to answer a few questions for From the Stands Sports Media discussing the art of catching and some current baseball topics.

1) What current MLB catcher reminds you the most of you?

Mayne: I hope no one takes this the wrong way because he's a much better player than I was, but the catcher who most reminds me of me is Joe Mauer. The reason I say this is because we have similar body types (tall/slender) and have very similar catching styles. We're also left handed hitters.

2) Your thoughts on instant replay in baseball?

Mayne: I don't really endorse instant replay in baseball. Whether the call is right or wrong, I like the imperfection and human element of the game and umpiring.

3) If someone asks you to tell them something good about the game of baseball to stray away from the black clouds, what would be your response?

Mayne: Baseball is an excellent analogy for life. The things you can learn through playing or watching baseball easily translate and can enhance one's everyday life. Patience, staying in the moment, dealing with failure, dealing with success, and being a good teammate/team player are but a few of the qualities that baseball can teach you.

4) What is the number one tip you give to young players who are trying to play the catcher position?

Mayne: Learn how to anticipate and see action before it happens. Get your thinking done before or in between the action then when something happens you'll be free to just react. Yogi Berra wasn't joking when he said you can't think and play at the same time.

5) Would you ever be interested in being a Major League manager? Where would you most want to skipper if so?

Mayne: Never say never, but at this point in my life and the lives of my wife and children, being a manager isn't in the cards right now. If I wanted to endure the travel and big league lifestyle, I would probably opt to still be playing instead of managing. If someday I became a manager, either of the LA teams would be my pick because they're close to home.

I would like to humbly thank Brent for taking the time to answer my questions. You can find out more about Brent's thoughts by visiting his website The Art of Catching.

He also has a booked entitled "The Art of Catching" which thoroughly describes the catching position. You can buy the book through his website or through Amazon.

*Image courtesy of cbssports.com*