Baseball Catchers Gear

Baseball catchers gear is an essential part of a teams equipment. Over the years we have seen an increase in the demand for safe equipment. More research continues to show the alarming effects of concussions and other injuries catchers might face. So, with more caution comes more safety. So, baseball catchers gear today, as a result of this, is much more safe than it once was. Baseball catchers gear was once extremely simple. All catchers needed was something to cover their legs, chest, and face. Concussions didn't matter, so why try to innovate with something safe. Catchers wore the bare minimum back in the day, and it wasn't until the 90's that gear started changing.

NOCSAE Certified Catchers Gear

NOCSAE certified catchers gear is the result of the need for requiring gear to meet safety standards. The hockey style catchers helmet made it's debut in the early 2000's. MLB catcher, Charlie O'Brien, was the first to debut this product that has come so far from its beginnings. The hockey style mask, obviously, derives from the goalie masks in hockey. This style does much more to protect the entire head. Rather than just covering the face, this mask covers the face, ears, and the back of the head. This style became mandatory in youth leagues, and now there is a major shift in the MLB for catchers to start using these helmets. This is because they offer more protection, and are even now more comfortable.

The newest safety innovation now involves the chest protector. There are new NOCSAE standards for chest protectors. This is to prevent knocking the heart out of rhythm when the catcher is struck in the chest.  As of January 1st, 2020, all high school catchers are required to wear a chest protector that is NOCSAE certified. The NCAA will require the same in 2021.  See the best and safest baseball catchers gear below.