Catcher mitt for bucket dad?

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May 22, 2012
745
16
hey all, tried out a 33" catchers mitt last night and it was not as effective in protecting my hand as my wilson 13" outfielders glove.
Anyone find a bigger glove is good for catching your DD's ?

also, any thoughts on a first basemans glove for this?
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
hey all, tried out a 33" catchers mitt last night and it was not as effective in protecting my hand as my wilson 13" outfielders glove.
Anyone find a bigger glove is good for catching your DD's ?

also, any thoughts on a first basemans glove for this?

Not all catcher's mitts are created equal in the padding department. I find my 34" Mizuno GXS92 to work quite for my needs, and is a good size for my man-paw. If I needed ultimate hand protection, however, Vinci would be the call.
 
Feb 18, 2014
348
28
I use a Mizuno GXS57, it's the only one that works comfortably fit my hand. I have caught for many girls ranging from 12u to 16u, with only the occasional sting from a badly caught ball. After streaming and 6 months use it is very broken in. I love it.

However, I caught for my daughter's pitching coach, she was probably pitching in the low 60s, OMG do I now have respect for college catchers. It was amazing, I had never heard a softball whistle through the air.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Real men and catchers squat, the rest use buckets IMHO

I'm too old to worry about being a "real man". Besides, I'm only concerned about the DW's opinion on the matter.

I've found that a 5gal paint bucket with a padded lid is quite comfy for long pitching sessions, protects my sensitive areas, and puts me in a better position than the typical 7gal ball bucket. My hips, knees, and ankles aren't as tolerant to proper catching stances as they used to be.
 
Last edited:
Jun 19, 2013
753
28
Just tried out my new catchers glove last night and I'm THRILLED. I have been using a regular glove and my hand was killing me. Recently she broke a blood vessel in my hand at base of first finger and it was so bad that my hand swelled and turned green and yellow, thought for sure it was broken. Figured enough was enough. Found a Louisville Slugger that was on clearance at Dick's for $48 and it fit me great (but I have small hands). Didn't know you could catch for half an hour and not need an ice pack :)
 

Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,168
38
New England
Not only do I sit on a bucket, but I prefer to sit sidesaddle. The reason has everything to do with my gender.

Perfectly understandable! My thoughts are: 1) practice like you play - which means throwing to someone in a catcher's stance and 2) practice like you play - which means throwing to a geared-up, experienced catcher. IMHO, many pitchers will hold back (either consciously or subonsciously) when pitching to someone that they worry about hurting, whether its a coach, parent, or less advanced player. The other potential reservation I have about catching on the bucket is an undocumented belief that it may preclude practicing to very low targets; a pitcher should be practiced and confident to throw a short curve, drop, or change, which can be very effective chase/waste pitches come game time even if they are in the dirt (assuming a good catcher!).

Disclaimer - perspective offered by a former catcher/catcher's father. YMMV
 
Last edited:
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
Perfectly understandable! My thoughts are: 1) practice like you play - which means throwing to someone in a catcher's stance and 2) practice like you play - which means throwing to a geared-up, experienced catcher. IMHO, many pitchers will hold back (either consciously or subonsciously) when pitching to someone that they worry about hurting, whether its a coach, parent, or less advanced player. The other potential reservation I have about catching on the bucket is an undocumented belief that it may preclude practicing to very low targets; a pitcher should be practiced and confident to throw a short curve, drop, or change, which can be very effective chase/waste pitches come game time even if they are in the dirt (assuming a good catcher!).

Disclaimer - perspective offered by a former catcher/catcher's father. YMMV

Excellent advice.
 
May 30, 2013
1,442
83
Binghamton, NY
I can attest the Vinci is an excellent glove.

Yes, quite stiff out of the box;
But despite this i haven't had any trouble pocketing balls at all, during the break-in.

Not a large glove however, FYI.
I was formerly using my 11.5" baseball glove, so it feels just right to me.
YMMV...
 

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