Catching is one of the most challenging positions in baseball. One of the catcher's primary jobs is to catch or block pitches with virtually any part of his body. Catchers also need to be aware of everything that is going on on the field and the base paths. Youth baseball catchers, in particular, need good catching gear because young pitchers are prone to throwing low pitches that bounce off the dirt and hit the catcher's body.
Catcher's Glove
Although many younger pitchers don't throw hard enough to hurt a catcher's hand, a good catcher's glove is still important. Rawlings, one of the top baseball equipment manufacturers in the United States, makes a catcher's glove called the Player Preferred. The glove comes in youth and adult sizes and features leather laces and a full-grain leather shell. RawlingsGear.com prices the glove at $60, as of 2011.
Face Mask
No other piece of equipment is more critical to the safety of a young catcher behind the plate than his mask. Many high-end catcher's masks resemble the goaltender masks used in ice hockey. One such mask is the Under Armour Youth Pro catcher's helmet. The Baseball Express website says the Under Armour mask offers a high level of protection without obstructing a player's vision. The helmet costs $60, as of 2011, and comes in dark blue, black and silver.
Chest Protector and Leg Guards
Any time a catcher goes down to block a pitch there is a good chance the ball will hit him in the chest. The protective foam in the Easton Youth Stealth Speed Chest Protector is designed to fit young body shapes and absorb blows from thrown or batted balls. It also features removable shoulder caps. The Easton protector costs $100, as of 2011, and is designed for players ages 12 to 15. The final piece of catcher's gear is leg protection. Rawlings 950X Youth Leg Guards feature reinforced padding and toe caps that allow a high level of mobility. In 2011, Rawlings 950X Youth Leg Guards cost $76 at HomerunMonkey.com.
Considerations
All baseball players, but catchers especially, should wear a protective cup at every game and practice. Buy the best catcher's gear you can afford, because no other position involves more contact with the ball. Never use equipment that is defective or worn.
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