Baseball: Catcher Shin Guards
June 19, 2008 2:58 pm Baseball, SportsCatcher shin guards prevent more bruises and stingers than any catcher would like to admit. Playing behind the plate is not easy under any circumstance. It is the most physically grueling position on the field. Having the right equipment, such as shin pads, only makes it more bearable.
When you picture a catcher in your head, you see a guy or girl squatting behind the plate awaiting a pitch. Their knees and legs are almost always in the dirt. Every foul tip has a great chance of bouncing up and hitting them in an unpleasant manner. It is ridiculous to think of any player who would want to get behind the plate without their legs, face and body covered.
Using Catcher Shin Guards is the Right Move
Catcher shin guards do not protect just your shins; they guard your entire lower leg. The top of the pad will extend above your knee and the lower segment will cover the top of your foot. The pad is made out of plastic, so it is similar to armor. When the ball hits, it is just going to bounce right off.
Catchers fall to their knees over and over during the course of a game. This, on top of the need to run, requires the pads to be flexible. They bend at each joint and can be hardly noticeable; until the ball hits you. Make sure that when you are shopping for the right gear, you are looking for durable and flexible pads.
