Introduction to Catchers Gear
Before you head out to the field it’s important that you have the proper gear. Equally, if not more important, is that your gear fits you properly. This is especially important for protective equipment, which can mean the difference between bruises and broken bones. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you choose your gear and measure for proper fit.
To take your measurements you will want a flexible or cloth measuring tape or a piece of string & someone to help.
There are three essential pieces of equipment for catchers; a helmet or a skull cap and face mask, a chest protector, and leg guards.
Helmets are one of the most important parts of protective equipment because of the high speed at which baseballs and softballs can travel. Helmets for softball often have pony-tail channels.
Some leisure leagues and clubs allow the use of a skull cap and face mask combo. They don’t offer as much protection but can be a bit cooler in warmer weather. Check with your coach before choosing a skull cap and mask combo.
How to Measure for a Catcher’s Helmet
Measure the circumference of the head just above top of ears. Wrap tape gently around head making certain tape lies midway on your occipital bone (that little bump in the middle of the back of your head).
*Don’t pull the tape too tightly or your helmet will fit that tightly.
Measure 2 or 3 times to be accurate.
How to Measure for Chest Protectors
To make sure that you buy a chest protector that covers and protects you properly you will need to measure vertically from the top of your sternum down to your waist line/belly-button. It’s always a good idea to have someone help you measure this, as looking down at yourself can distort the measurement, but you can do it by yourself in front of a mirror.
All youth catchers chest protectors are required to have a “tail”. This requirement is generally mandated by your youth league.
See a generic Age Range Size Chart for Catchers Chest Protectors.
How to Measure for Leg/Shin Guards
Measure vertically from the middle of your knee cap to the bottom of your shin.
See a generic Age Range Size Chat for Catchers Leg Guards.
Helpful Hints
Protective gear can seem bulky and uncomfortable at first, especially to younger or newer players. Protective gear takes some getting used to and it needs breaking in just like a good glove or a favorite pair of shoes.
Although not part of official catchers gear, knee cushions or knee savers are an awesome product that does just what the name says, saves your knees! Anyone who has spent a lot of time kneeling or squatting can attest to the toll that it takes on your joints. Knee Savers are a wedge shaped cushion that helps support your body weight and takes some of the strain of your knee joints. Almost every major baseball and softball manufacturer makes their own version of these, including Louisville Slugger, Wilson, Easton, and Rawlings.
Thanks! This helped a lot when I was looking at getting some catcher’s gear for my son. Keep up the useful articles.
This was exremely helpful. I am taller than most people on my team so the catchers gear was too small. Now i can get the right size stuff. Thanx!