Choosing Catcher's Gear
Protective Helmets, Masks and Throat Protectors
Catchers wear helmets, face masks and throat protectors to protect them from a
missed ball or foul tip. These items can be purchased separately, but today,
many manufacturers produce a one-piece unit that combines all three elements.
Based on previous advances in hockey goalie headgear, these catcher's masks
feature a light but hard plastic crown and back plate and a cage-style face mask
that extends below the chin to protect the throat.
Chest Protector
Chest protectors, which run from the top of the chest to the waist, are designed
to absorb the shock of a missed or tipped ball. Attached to the front of the
body by straps that wrap around the back, chest protectors are generally
comprised of a polyfoam interior and a synthetic exterior.
Leg Guards
Leg guards protect the knee, thigh, shin, instep and top of the foot from a
missed ball, or more importantly, the spikes of a sliding player. Made from a
light, hard plastic, that flexes at the knee to provide mobility.
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