During a Major League baseball game, nobody needs a seventh-inning stretch more than the catcher. Not only does he play in an uncomfortable crouch swathed in protective gear, but he makes critical decisions at the frenzied pace of an air-traffic controller. Before each delivery, the catcher flashes a hand signal to the pitcher indicating the best pitch to throw. Imagine that a strong batter faces a count of three balls and two strikes, with runners on first and third. What should the hurler serve up, a fastball high and inside, a slider low and away, or a change-up over the heart of the plate? By the way, Mark McGwire's up next.
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