Gear for new catcher

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Dec 5, 2017
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Dd just joined a new travel team. They are all first year 10u, technically 9u I suppose. She has been playing 3rd for about a year but at practice last night the coach had her suit up and try catching. Even though she is one of the smallest girls she has just about the strongest arm and definitely the most accurate so that was his reason for having her try it. She did really well at throw downs to second and third and now he wants her to give it a go. Having said all that, I am not thrilled about it because of her size. She is 50lbs on a good day and I can just picture some 10 yo twice her size trucking over her at the plate. Any suggestions on gear? Especially helmets. I read some of the earlier posts about helmets but don't know much about catchers gear. We are affiliated with the Louisville Lady Sluggers and get a discount on any of Wilson Sporting Goods products or the other companies that they own if any of their products are worth looking at.
 
Apr 16, 2013
1,113
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Hmm, for that age and size I'm not sure. My DD uses Wilson Promotion gear, which I could consider high end. It's actually discontinued now, but you can find some dang good deals on it since it's discontinued. I know they make a "small/intermediate/adult" size, but it might still be too small for someone that size. Honestly I'd think the helmet will be what you'd want to spend the most money on. Second, get the New England Catching Camp beginner's instructional DVD. :)
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
The Wilson ProMotion gear was excellent, but unfortunately discontinued. I don't have as high an opinion of the current Pro Stock gear. LS gear is very low on my list. My current top recommendation is All-Star Vela/System 7 gear. There is also no problem with mixing different pieces from different manufacturers.

No matter what gear you decide on, the single most important consideration is proper fit of all pieces. Too big or too small compromises safety and efficiency of movement. With the chest protector, it should fit like a compression shirt, not an apron, and shouldn't move up when the catcher is in her receiving stance.
 
Jun 27, 2018
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Is there anything comparable to the Wilson Promo gear on the market now? My daughter had a navy blue set that she wore for 3 seasons and lessons and off season work. The shins finally fell apart. She doesn’t like her new gear as much, but she wears it. Says it’s “ok.” (schutt )


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Mar 1, 2016
195
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You’re just going to have to try different gear to find out what fits best. Don’t be afraid to mix and match brands so she can get a better helmet or better shins or whatever.

Something else to keep in mind, and hopefully this will put you more at ease - she isn’t going to get trucked at the plate. There are rules in place to prevent this that didn’t exist 10 years ago when mine started catching, and if a runner does initiate contact, she MIGHT get tossed from the game (umpire’s discretion if viewed as flagrant). Most 9-year-old girls will avoid contact anyway.


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Dec 5, 2017
514
63
You’re just going to have to try different gear to find out what fits best. Don’t be afraid to mix and match brands so she can get a better helmet or better shins or whatever.

Something else to keep in mind, and hopefully this will put you more at ease - she isn’t going to get trucked at the plate. There are rules in place to prevent this that didn’t exist 10 years ago when mine started catching, and if a runner does initiate contact, she MIGHT get tossed from the game (umpire’s discretion if viewed as flagrant). Most 9-year-old girls will avoid contact anyway.


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I figured I would need to shop around for individual items, especially the helmet. I know it isn't supposed to happen but last year our catcher during all stars got plowed over twice and they didn't call anything, said it was not intentional. We won't be playing Baberuth anymore though so hopefully we will get better umps. I'm sure I am worrying about it more than I should but I do want to at least get her the best protective gear we can afford, we spend so much on stupid bats that it doesn't make sense to skimp on something as important potentially as catchers gear.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Bash-up plays happen. Such is the nature of the game at that position. First rule for setting up for a tag play at the plate is placing the left foot just inside the 3B-side corner of the plate, with the toes pointed up the line. Here's what happens when you forget that rule, and turn your leg sideways to catch a throw from the right side of the field...

It took 7 weeks to recover from an MCL strain and get back behind the plate after this collision. She learned the lesson the hard way.
 
Oct 1, 2014
2,218
113
USA
Yes, collisions will happen. As has been stated above teach them proper mechanics and positioning from the outset. I wholeheartedly second the opinion on the NECC (The Catching Camp) video...study it yourself and then have her study it (not just once). My Catcher beast at that age was on the smaller side but strong and tough as nails, a couple times she was tested and fortunately came out on top (ump threatened to toss one of the kids who had been warned twice earlier in the day....pfffftt). Regarding gear, we've gone through a few different pieces and she's currently using and liking the newer Easton Prowess stuff. In practices right now she still pulls on her Wilson Shock FX lid although she's breaking in a new Easton Mako II....and, while we're on the subject of helmets, teach her to keep it on! Practice pop up drills with it on...the more she practices seeing the ball with it on the more comfortable she'll be. Good luck with it!!
 
Feb 21, 2017
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Terrible slide, poor coaching. Should have been on the back side of the bag to make the tag difficult for the catcher PLUS you avoid colliding. Terrible and I am sorry for your daughter.

Edit: For what it is worth we use All-Star gear and it fit female players very well. Also huge fan of their mitts (BB and SB).

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