Yes. With The Headset App, a coach can send pitch calls from a phone straight to a catcher wearing AirPods, or any Bluetooth earbuds you already own. In Solo Mode, one phone and one earbud are all you need to get started, so there is no separate hardware to buy.
How calling pitches to AirPods works
You build your pitches and locations once in the Pitch Call Menu™. From the dugout, the coach taps a pitch, taps a zone, and the call is read aloud in the catcher’s ear in real time, for example “Fastball, low and away.” The catcher hears it and gives the pitcher the sign the way they always have. There is no wristband to program and no verbal call for a runner on second to pick up.
What you need
- A phone with The Headset App installed
- One AirPod or Bluetooth earbud for the catcher (an earbud strap keeps it secure under the mask)
- Optional: a second device or a channel when you want to talk to more players
Do AirPods have enough range for a baseball field?
For on-field use, range comes down to Bluetooth class. AirPods and similar earbuds with Class 1 Bluetooth hold a reliable connection across the distance from the dugout to home plate, roughly 90 to 110 yards with a clear line of sight. Keeping the phone in view of the catcher helps. Our hardware guide lists game-tested earbuds and range notes.
Is it allowed in high school and college?
One-way calls from a coach in the dugout to the catcher are how many high school and college programs already use the app. Rules vary by state and level, so confirm yours, then see our compliant baseball setup for the specifics on earbuds, smartwatches, and one-way modes.
The fastest way to try it
Start in Solo Mode: one phone, one earbud, no channel. Build your menu, put an earbud on your catcher, and send your first call in a couple of minutes. When you are ready to bring in more of your staff and players, you can connect to a channel for full open-voice communication.
Frequently asked questions
Do both the coach and catcher need AirPods?
No. Only the catcher needs an earbud to hear the call. The coach taps the call on the phone.
Can I use cheaper earbuds instead of AirPods?
Yes. Any Bluetooth earbuds or an in-helmet speaker will work. AirPods come up so often only because coaches and players already own them.
