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Traditional Catcher's Mask
A traditional catcher's mask is one of the most critical pieces of gear for any baseball or softball catcher. This protective mask keeps the athlete safe while playing behind the plate. However, most youth leagues do not allow the use of a traditional catchers mask. Be sure to check the rules of your league before making a purchase. Playing a critical defensive role, a catcher is responsible for seeing the field. They also call pitches, and protect home plate. The catcher is at risk of injury from bats, foul tips, and errant pitches. Collisions with runners coming into home base are another source of potential injury for catchers. Thus it is vital that the catcher protects himself with an appropriate catchers gear set. The set should include a traditional catcher's mask and skull cap. This combination is the choice of many catchers.
Catchers Face Mask
The catchers face mask was not always used by catchers. Prior to 1876, baseball catchers did not wear protective masks and helmets while behind the plate. That changed when Harvard University baseball manager Fred Thayer adapted a fencing mask to be used as catchers mask. Thayer patented his mask. Then, Spalding began selling it in its catalog during the 1878 season. The device caught on quickly. By the 1880s this mask became very popular with both amateurs and professionals. The original Harvard mask is now on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Be sure to check it our when you visit. Today, there are models of the traditional catchers mask from companies such as All Star, Wilson, Rawlings, Under Armour, Easton, Mizuno, and more. These trusted baseball brands offer masks in a variety of sizes, colors and price points. Allstar offers several models that are some of the lightest on the market. You will see many major leaguers wearing their catchers face masks. A properly fitting baseball gear set is vital to player safety. And, a traditional catcher's mask is the most important piece of any set. So check out our entire selection today.
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