Catcher’s Kit

Catching is the one position where fit is a safety issue, not just a comfort one. No piece of gear removes the risk of getting hurt, so the goal is simple: buy the right size, wear all of it, and check your league’s rules for what is required. A full catcher’s kit typically includes:

• Catcher’s helmet with mask (many leagues require NOCSAE certification, so check yours)
• Chest protector, sized to the player’s torso, not “room to grow”
• Shin guards that fully cover the knee when in a crouch
• A catcher’s mitt, which is shaped differently than a fielder’s glove
• An athletic cup, worn every time, no exceptions

Fit comes first

Have your catcher try everything on and get into a full crouch before you buy. The helmet should sit snug without shifting when he shakes his head. The chest protector should cover the torso without riding up when he squats. The shin guards should stay on the knee, not slide down the shin. If something moves, it is the wrong size, however good the reviews are.

Re-check fit every season. Catchers are usually still growing, and gear that fit last year may leave real gaps in coverage this year.

Starting points

These come from CageList’s gear catalog. Kits are sold by age: the youth set is listed for players 12 and under, and the adult set for players 15 and up. If your catcher is 13 or 14, check the retailer’s sizing chart for each piece instead of guessing between the two.

A catcher’s mitt and an athletic cup are not on this list. Mitts are personal, so it is worth trying a few on in a store. Browse more catcher’s gear on CageList’s catcher’s gear page, and book a lesson if you want a coach to look at how it fits.