Catcher's Gear - Finding the Best Fit

By S. Kemmerling   

With so many options on the market today, how do you find the best catcher's gear? Many things go into this selection, the level of baseball the catcher is playing is a good start, next how committed are they to staying with the game since there is quite a price range for catcher's gear and what are the rules regarding face masks in the league they are playing in? The chest guard will come in all colors and sizes and range of thickness in the padding. Some offer a lining that promotes air circulation as well. While a specific color may be cool or fun, it is the least important in the decision-making process. The best place to start is deciding on the appropriate size needed. Take a good measurement on the distance between the collar-bone and the hip bone. It is important to remember you will be in a squatting position most of the time and comfort is #1 on your list. Range of motion for a good catcher is an absolute must. After you have the correct measurement, then you can look at the features different manufacturers offer: memory foam, adjustable shoulder pads and removable groin protector. And last if you can find the specifications you need in your favorite color, go for it.

When choosing a face mask, you need to know the specifications your league has for a catcher's face mask. Most baseball leagues require a one piece face mask (hockey style). You don't want to spend $50 to $60 on a mask you can't use in the end. Another thing to keep in mind is that the mask will be thrown off during a game many, many times. A good fit is a must.

Finally you have your leg guards. Some catchers use knee savers, some chose not to. The guards are very important; you will stop a lot of wild pitches with your legs. Along with the hard front cover, there is a padded lining in the shin guard that should from the knee cap to the top of your ankle. You will want to make sure that the ankles are very well protected. In the end your cost for a complete set of catcher's gear will range anywhere from $150 to $350. Youth sets can be found for a little less. Some of the big chain stores will offer sets for even less but they may be harder to get a good fit from.

In addition to all the above remember you will need a catcher's mitt.

S. Kemmerling is owner of My Baseball Usa, I am a baseball fan of several teams in the middle Michigan Area, Mt Pleasant High School Baseball, Central Michigan University Baseball, The Great Lakes Loons and The Detroit Tigers. Stop by our store to find quality baseball gear. You can find us at http://www.mybaseballusa.com

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Finding Inexpensive Catchers Gear Sets Online

By Dorothy Gathany

While this article talks about baseball equipment in general, buying catchers equipment can be even more daunting for a first time player parent. A safe bet for catchers gear sets is either Mizuno catchers gear or Easton catchers gear. Both are rated high in safety and quality. They both have good youth catchers mitts as well.

Finding softball or baseball equipment for any little league player in the household is surely an interesting yet frustrating experience. Selecting the right baseball mitt or softball glove often makes a key change with just how well ones ball player fields his or her position. Considering a suitable length and weight of the baseball or softball bat is really a difference maker in their capability to hit the softball. Last of all, accessories like hitting gloves, equipment backpags or spikes can really help your player fit in with his / her teammates and feel like an authentic player.

Yet, it's amazing how little time and attention many parents give these aspects when they are going to be investing numerous hours driving their own young players to practice sitting at ball games. Here is some instruction advice. In segment 1 of this three section post, I will discuss searching for baseball mitts A general opinion to start with regarding internet based shopping. Considering baseball gloves and bats should be personal selections for your ballplayer, you ought to check out sports stores to test softtball or baseball gloves or swing bats. But bear in mind, when you know what you would like, get it on line and help save the 15-25% off list that internet retailers offer. (In most cases with no cost shipping) This can save you large sums over time, particularly when finding replacement equipment batting gloves, sliding shorts or other sorts of sofball & baseball equipment.

Let's touch upon baseball or softball glove choices. First, pricing; Mitts range from $40-50 for beginning ballplayers to several hundred dollars for high school and college baseball players. Youth ballplayers - Don't buy the toy mitts you can get in shops such as toy stores or discount department stores. Those tiny mitts can be lousy for catching the baseball, don't ever soften up as legitimate baseball gloves do and are also too small to help the youngster grab even a marginally errant throw. I cringed whenever I watched a young youngster (5-8 years of age) bring one of those to my 1st practice. It suggested that the parents knew nothing about the game, didn't make time to have a look at just a few basics or were too cheap to make a modest investment in a glove that might last 3-4 years if they bought the correct baseball glove. 2nd, sizing; Make sure that when the young softball or baseball player wiggles their fingers in the mitt, the fingertips in the mitt move.

In the event their smaller fingers don't move the glove fingertips, the glove is just too big. 3rd, expend extra on the glove as the young player shows the eagerness and competence with the sport. High-end Rawlings gloves, the Wilson A2000 (baseball) or Nokona mitts (softball) when broken in and conditioned correctly will often last for years and can help ones young player do better. Lastly, if the ballplayer desires a first basemens mitt or perhaps a catcher's mitt, hold back until they are at the least 10 then pick a quality mitt. Bear in mind, unless your ballplayer requires a left handed baseball or softball mitt for 1st base, right handed first basemens gloves may be a gamble as often lefty pitchers play at 1st whenever they aren't pitching. The opposite holds true for catchers mitts, there are not lots of left handed catchers and for that reason investing in a left handed catchers mitt may be a waste of cash. In my up coming installment, Let me discuss bat options.

Dorothy Gathany
You can find catchers gear and catchers equipment online here

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Why I Love Coaching Catchers

By T J Andersen

Are you buying youth catchers gear just because your young baseball or softball player wants some new catchers equipment? Here's the attitude from a coach, someone who has been around the professional baseball catchers and the beginners alike. Make sure of why you are making a new purchase.

If you have a young man playing the position of catcher, you have a challenge on your hands. I can't speak much for softball catchers, but I have been a baseball catcher and I have coached the position for several years. The young kids are my favorite players because they just don't know what they want to be when they grow up.

Many of these young players want to play the position of catcher, but what I find incredibly interesting is why they really want to be a catcher. What makes them want to sweat behind the chest protector? Why do they want to don shin guards and the rest of the catchers gear? Nobody wants to suit up every day during the season and certainly nobody wants to work as hard as the position demands.

Why then do kids want to be a catcher?

I was a catcher all my life and I have been fortunate to have made my living playing baseball. I do not think I wanted to be a catcher. I mean that is not how I started, but when thrown into that role, I just found a home. i started to shine, but more important I became me. My role and all catchers position roles require leadership and when most kids want to hide behind the catchers gear, some have the burning desire to be leaders. Does your young baseball want to be a leader or is he just wanting to hide behind the catchers gear?

Many players start out hiding. The chest protector offers some sanctuary. The catchers mask can be a good resort, but add a catchers helmet and you have a full time tenant. Watch for the signs and work with the players when they are young. You may discover a gem among all the impostors and you may see that hiding may just turn into a temporary place to find themselves until a more opportune situation presents itself.

One issue with youth sports and catchers gear is the equipment. I know it is a pain and I also realize it is expensive, but pay attention to the fit. Make sure your catcher can do the job you require and is not out for a swim with catchers gear that has been handed down. Get the adjustments right so the chances of success are entirely reliant on the player and nor subject to your lack of attention as a coach and a parent.

I for one would never ask for the job of coaching the position of catcher. The #2 mark on the scorecard must do something to young men in that position. Maybe they want to be #1 so bad that they are volatile and ferocious and stubborn and just plain tough kids. Come to think of it, are not these all the traits we need as leaders, including those for all baseball catchers?

TJ writes about what interests him and what he is passionate about. Visit his website at http://youthcatchersgear.org/catchers-equipment/ which helps people find the best catchers equipment and discusses catchers and kids playing baseball today.

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Buying Youth Catcher's Gear

By Matt Danner

Parents face a tough choice when deciding whether or not to buy their child a youth catcher's gear set. In most cases children are still growing and spending $100 or more on catcher's gear may not seem like a sound investment. For some families, money is no problem and their children receive new catcher's gear and mitts every other year. But, for most families money must be spent wisely.

As a parent, you must first determine if your child is serious about catching or if it's a passing fad. Most teams have a set of gear to use, so, if your child is curious about trying the position, encourage them to use this gear first. Although, be aware that many times this gear is not very well maintained and can also pose a minor health risk if multiple kids are sharing equipment. If you discover that your child is serious about catching, you should consider buying a full set of gear.

How much should you spend on a complete set of youth catcher's gear?

Expect to spend about $100 for a complete set of the basic youth catcher's equipment and glove. Higher end catcher's gear and the top of the line catcher's gloves can combine for a $900 price tag. A typical or average set of gear with a decent mitt will run you around the $200 - $300 range. Cheaper sets can be found online and these online stores usually offer discounts when purchasing complete sets.

If this price tag still seems too high and your child is serious about catching, I do recommend at minimum buying their own catcher's glove. Prices for catcher's gloves can range between $25 - $200.

Make sure everything you purchase has a warranty!

One last point. Do not make the mistake of buying a set that is too big for your child thinking that he/she will grow into it. Catcher's gear should fit properly. Proper fitting catcher's gear is important for two main reasons: safety and performance.

Shop around different sports stores in your area or check online to find equipment in your price range.

Some brands that you should consider for catcher' gloves include: Wilson, Easton, Mizuno, Rawlings, Akadema, and Nokona.

Brands that sell youth catcher's sets and bags are: All Star, Rawlings, Easton, Wilson, Mizuno, Diamond, McGregor, Nike, Schutt, and Under Armour.

Baseball Catcher
Baseball Catchers Gear

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