Catcher's Equipment Buying Guide

As a parent, buying catcher's gear can be an expensive venture. If your child is serious about catching, though, the investment is necessary and buying the right gear can help to prevent serious injury. Most teams have a set of gear to use and you should encourage them to use this gear first if the desire to play the position is prompted by curiosity. You can later get them their own gear when they decide or are selected to play the position full time. Be aware, however, that many times this gear is not generally very well maintained and may not be the proper fit to completely protect your child. Catchers and pitchers are the only players that are involved in every pitch of a baseball game. Catchers are constantly thrown very fast pitches while squatting, but they are also standing, throwing and running, so the gear they wear needs to fit properly to allow them maximum flexibility and protection.

When buying catcher's gear, please consider the following:

• Do not make the mistake of thinking that your child will grow into a set that is too big for them. Catcher's gear should fit properly. Proper fitting catcher's gear is important for safety and performance. Below, we will detail how to get the proper fit for each piece of equipment.
• Understand that buying a complete set of gear may not be possible. Some baseball players may need an adult sized chest protector but junior sized shin guards. Be sure to check the sizes of all included equipment pieces before buying the gear in a set.

For the Upper Body

1. Catchers Mask and Helmet: Available for all ages, the catcher's helmet offers added protection for the catcher position. Try to find a helmet with an extended ear and throat guard that offers extra protection against fast pitches. Be sure to buy your catcher's helmet from the baseball section of your sporting goods store or online retailer. A hockey-style helmet is your best option, but it should still be made specifically for baseball or softball.
Fitting: A catcher's helmet should fit snugly. Avoid loose helmets as they are more likely to fly off or adjust during play. To determine your helmet size, wrap a cloth measuring tape around your head just above the ears. The circumference measurement will likely be between 20 and 24 inches. Manufacturers will vary in their definition of helmet sizes, but should offer a chart or table to convert the circumference measurement.

2. Chest Protector: A good quality chest protector offers maximum coverage over the upper torso. They are made from lightweight foam and have ventilation to keep cool and dry throughout the whole game. Find a chest protector that gives some protection to your throat and clavicle since these areas are often unprotected.
Fitting: Chest protectors range from 11 to 18 inches. To measure for a chest protector, a cloth measuring tape is best. Measure the distance (in inches) from the top of your rib cage to your waistline. You can also measure from your throat to your navel - the measurements should be very similar. Manufacturers may vary in their definition of chest protector sizes, but should offer a chart or table to convert the measurement.

3. Shin Guards: Your shin guards should have an extension at the bottom that protects all the way down to the tops of your shoes. Also consider adding knee savers to your shin guards to give you extra padding when you must go down to your knees. Knee savers also cover the hinge of your shin guards for added protection.
Fitting: Shin Guards range in size from 10 to 18 inches. To measure for a shin guard, a cloth measuring tape is best. Measure the distance from the center of the knee cap to the bend of the ankle. This will be the size for your shin guards. Manufacturers may vary in their definition of shin guard sizes, but should offer a chart or table to convert the measurement.

4. Catcher's Mitts: Catcher's gloves are called "mitts" because they lack individual fingers. Larger than standard baseball gloves, catcher's mitts contain a large pocket for catching pitches and receiving throws to get a batter out. Designed with extra padding and a hinged, claw-like shape, the catcher's mitt helps funnell 90+-mile-per-hour fastballs into the pocket. The large design also provides a good target for pitchers.
Fitting: Catcher's mitts are divided into youth and adult. Unlike other baseball gloves, catcher's mitts are measured in circumference and are usually available in half-inch increments. The circumference of a youth catcher's mitt is 31 inches or less while the circumference of an adult catchers mitt is 32 inches or larger. Hand size is not as relevant as it is with other gloves. A catcher's mitt can mold to any size hand. A larger mitt provides more padding and protection while a smaller mitt makes it easier to get the ball out, but lacks the padding of a larger mitt. Manufacturers may vary in their definition of glove sizes, but should offer a chart or table to convert the measurement.

5. Protective Cup: Protective cups to keep your groin area safe from fast pitches. While this cups might be optional for other players, it is extremely important for a catcher. You should not play this position until you have one.

6. Throat Guard: Often times considered optional, the throat guard could save your throat from a foul tipped ball or wild pitch. Throat guards are made to fit onto your catching mask. Make sure that your mask will accommodate the throat guard you choose.

All geared up now? Come on everyone... let's go play ball!