Emergency rooms see around 120,000 baseball-related injuries annually. Catchers are particularly susceptible to injury. Catchers are also critical to the success of the team. They need the proper gear to help them do their jobs effectively and remain injury-free. If you’re a baseball parent who’s searching for the best catcher’s gear, look no further!
What’s in a Catcher’s Gear Set?
A set is often the most economical way to start out. These pieces will be the bulk of your child’s required equipment! The best catcher’s gear for your child will make sure baseball is fun and safe! A helmet is an important piece of gear in most sports and baseball is no exception. A catcher’s helmet is designed with a cage over the wearer’s face. This keeps rogue baseballs from hitting their face.
A blow to your child’s face or head can give them all sorts of nasty injuries including concussions. Helmets will minimize this risk.
Make sure that your child’s helmet fits them well as ill-fitting helmets can pose a risk to your child. The helmet should fit their head snugly but not so tight that it gives them a headache!
Chest protectors will help to soften the blows that go lower. Oftentimes, youth leagues will require shoulder pads, so be sure to check with your child’s coach. Much of the best gear will include shoulder pads anyway for added protection.
Finally, shin guards will be included in catcher’s sets. These pads go from ankle to knee and have hard plastic shells for optimal protection. The best options will include extra protection at the knee caps!
Additional Equipment
These are pieces of equipment that aren’t included in catcher’s sets but are still recommended or required for play. When you start buying baseball catcher’s gear, be sure that all the equipment meets league requirements. Catcher’s mitts are specifically designed with added protection for the wearer’s hands. Catcher’s mitts will not separate individual fingers like a normal glove. This ensures that the balls go into the pocket with ease!
Chest guards are an added layer of protection worn underneath a jersey. These will give parents the peace of mind of knowing their child is doubly protected. This is a piece of gear that many youth leagues require.
A catcher’s mitt leaves the arm exposed. This is where wrist guards come in. These may not be required, but for a little bit of added padding, they’re a good idea.
Best Catcher’s Gear For Your Child
Watching your child play baseball can be both enjoyable and nerve-wracking. You want them to have fun and perform well, but you don’t want them to get injured in the process. Now that you know how to make sure your child has the best catcher’s gear, your mind will be at ease. This way you can enjoy the game worry-free!
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