Baseball Catcher Equipment List
The catcher is responsible for crouching behind the hitter and catching the pitches thrown by the pitcher. Due to this responsibility, catchers are usually the most exposed and at-risk players on the baseball diamond. This makes having protective padding essential to a baseball catcher’ uniform. Catcher’s gear will consist of different types of hard-shell protective equipment which will cover different parts of the body such as the head, chest, and legs. Read on to learn about each main part of a catcher’s equipment.
List of Catcher’s Equipment
Below is a list of equipment needed to be a catcher:
- Leg Guards
- Chest Protectors
- Helmets
Leg Guards
Leg guards are a piece of hard protection that will cover most of the legs. They offer optimal protection to the exposed areas of the legs as well as helping catchers slide to block pitches in the dirt smoother and without injury. Areas of protection include the knees, shins, lower thighs, and ankles. Leg guards can be bought typically for around $75-100.
Chest Protector
A catcher chest protector is a type of padding that will cover most of the torso. Chest protectors will usually have thicker padding than leg guards but will not have a hard outer shell. This piece of equipment will cover the chest, shoulders, and abdomen. A catcher chest protector can be bought for as little as $70 to almost $200.
Helmet
Catcher’s helmets are designed to protect the catcher from head injuries. These helmets are similar in design to those worn by goalkeepers in hockey and lacrosse. They will often feature a hard shell around the head and neck while covering the face with a wire caging. Catcher’s helmets range widely in cost, the cheapest being around $35 and some specialized helmets costing over $200.
FAQ
How much does a catcher’s gear set cost?
Most catcher’s gear sets can be found anywhere from $150 to upwards of $400. Adult sets and ones that come with different accessories such as bags or throat guards will usually cost more. Some expensive sets will also be made with more advanced designs and higher quality materials.
What sizes do catcher’s gear sets come in?
Catcher’s gear sets are usually limited in the different size options. Most sets will either be categorized as youth or adult. Within these categories, different sizes, such as small through large, may be available. Some components of the average catcher’s gear, such as leg guards, are also designed to be adjustable and provide a firm fit for players of all sizes.
What kind of catcher’s gear do MLB players wear?
Under Armour and Nike are two of the more commonly worn brands in the MLB. MLB catchers can wear any brand of catching equipment that they desire. While any brand can be worn, all catchers must wear all three types of protective equipment found in a catcher’s set.