Catcher's mitt/1B mitt

[WB Coach]

Was told by the local sports shack that many girls use 1B mitts when they play catcher as well. Is this true? If not, at what point do we go with a mitt like Vinci? DD is just starting out, is studying the NECC DVD, and is catching on (get it?) really fast. Wants to get a good foundation and shows quick reaction time to pitches out of the zone. She's currently using a Champro padded catcher's glove inside her 1B mitt (Easton Natural Elite NEB 3). Advice is appreciated!

 

[Amy in AZ.]

Yes. I agree that many girls wear a first baseman's mitt at catcher. Actually, mine is a little of both. I wear it at any position in ASA. It sounds to me like she is set, already.

 

[James Smith]

I am not sure how old your DD is but a 1B mitt is fine to use catching.

When the pitchers get a little faster maybe look for a C glove but I am not sure what point that is.

 

[Greenmonsters]

A real catchers mitt is most appreciated when your pitchers throw mid 50s plus

 

[WB Coach]

DD is 13, playing 1B at 14U, but won't be game-ready behind the plate for some time. Needs lots 'o work on the throw-down

Edited to add: for catching practice and reaction time I pitch to DD from about 25' away, 30' tops. Fastballs. Well, as fast as this old man can, anyway.

 

[WB Coach]

A real catchers mitt is most appreciated when your pitchers throw mid 50s plus

Greeny,

Is that due to extra padding? Sorry, real noob here.

 

[Greenmonsters]

Greeny,

Is that due to extra padding? Sorry, real noob here.

In part, yes; however, catchers and first base mitts are constructed differently specifically to suit the respective positional demands i.e., 1B mitt is built to scoop low balls and provide extra reach, whereas a catchers mitt has more padding and is a different size and shape better suited to protect the catcher's hand, and receive and block pitches.

 

[chazbz1]

I have seen afew catchers swear by their first baseman's mitt. I don't generally recommend them much past 12A or 14B... The padding and structure is different...



Let's compare Vinci's 1B mitt and catcher's mitt.... When you compare the thumb and pinkie sides, you can see there is an added layer of felts... You can see the difference in thicknesses... (Especially looking straight on at the thumb) Likewise check out the wrist. The extra padding protects these areas of the hand from pitched balls. The pocket of the catcher's mitt is part of the palm instead of webbing, once again, it holds up better taking hard throws behind the plate. The palm also sports an extra layer of felts, and in some models , the catcher's mitt will have additional padding in the palm area besides the felts. The stiffeners in the thumb and pinkie pads are more robust as well to help the mitt keep it's shape. I have seen some other brands fold over at the finger portion of the mitt (pinkie pad area) when the pitch is not received dead in the pocket... (The pitch keeps going to the backstop) When you consider just how many times a catcher has to use their glove in an inning compared to other field positions, it makes sense to have all the extra padding and reinforcements most catcher's mitts have....

Bottom line, (opinion) if you are a rec ball or league ball player (As was my oldest) use any mitt that you are comfortable with... You may be able to catch B level ball for a while with a 1B mitt, but by 12 or 14, your catcher should be properly protected with a decent quality catcher's mitt. (As was my youngest!) 14A and above, be ready to spend close to 200 for a good quality mitt.
-Chaz @ ACC

 

[sftblldad7]

Lets get to the most important part before the commercial for Vinci, All gloves are made with the position in mind and made to do different things. I believe you will find out that the catcher mitt is a little bit easier to get the ball out of. A first baseman mitt was designed to scoop balls out of the dirt. A catchers mitt was designed to block as well as scoop balls and also let the catcher get the ball out quickly. Every girl is different some like padding some don't. too much padding in a glove then the balls bounce out. Just like bats just because you have a $300 bat or glove does not make you a better player. You should be able to find great deals on ebay for a glove around $100. My DD is a catcher and uses the Worth D1, Only because she likes the feel of it, it is soft and easy to break in.( There #1 pitcher throws in the low to mid 60's )It was not $200 but I would put her up against any catcher to see how much better a $200 or $300 glove is. Oh yeah we did already and you can't tell the difference. I can also tell you that question never came up when talking to college coaches ( how much is your glove or what kind of glove do you have )
Bottom line is what ever glove works best for you and you like it.

 

[James Smith]

No one said go buy a Vinci C glove, if anything everyone said she was fine with her current 1st glove.

Settle down a little bit.