Stupid catcher's gear question...

[Bob Loblaw]

...why is there a pad over one of the shoulders on a chest protector, typically, the catcher's throwing arm?

 

[js0000001]

...why is there a pad over one of the shoulders on a chest protector, typically, the catcher's throwing arm?

I always assumed for foul ball protection

 

[TomMurry]

Because the glove protects that side and nothing protects the throwing side.

 

[jbhofmann]

If a catcher were lefty he would be screwed. I caught one game left handed as a Little Leaguer and loved it. The golve was an ancient looking antique but I had a blast.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

What I've read indicates that the pad goes over the shoulder of the non-throwing side - or the glove side..

This is confusing. I don't understand the point of it.

 

[David Campos]

Logically, it protects the shoulder of the throwing hand. If you take a foul ball off the shoulder and it affects the catcher's throws, everyone would steal off the catcher. I don't have an excuse for Jeff Mathis though. Haven't seen him get hit in the shoulder yet his throws to second always end up in center and right field. Still can't believe he was the 2nd best catcher behind mauer when they were coming up through the ranks. ::facepalm::

 

[packbusta]

If a catcher were lefty he would be screwed.

Why? You just unattach the shoulder piece and move it to protect the left shoulder.

 

[olerud363]

Apparently you can get them with the shoulder protector on both sides too. My assumption would be that it's better to have it on the glove side because when receiving a pitch the catcher tucks his throwing hand & arm behind him and often even pivots a bit so that the glove shoulder is a little in front, as in the "relaxed stance" pictured here:

http://www.baseball-catcher.com/guide/stance.htm

I always thought the "ready stance" pictured was a big no-no because the throwing hand & arm are exposed to get hit by a foul tip.

- R.

 

[jbhofmann]

If a catcher were lefty he would be screwed.

Why? You just unattach the shoulder piece and move it to protect the left shoulder.

If the piece is even moveable. I'm left-handed so I have no knowledge about catcher's gear.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

If a catcher were lefty he would be screwed.

Why? You just unattach the shoulder piece and move it to protect the left shoulder.

If the piece is even moveable. I'm left-handed so I have no knowledge about catcher's gear.

It's movable.

 

[jbhofmann]

If a catcher were lefty he would be screwed.

Why? You just unattach the shoulder piece and move it to protect the left shoulder.

If the piece is even moveable. I'm left-handed so I have no knowledge about catcher's gear.

It's movable.

Why would the piece be movable? No left handed catchers in MLB.

That would be like making pants with a third leg hole. Nobody in MLB has a .... uh nevermind.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

If a catcher were lefty he would be screwed.

Why? You just unattach the shoulder piece and move it to protect the left shoulder.

If the piece is even moveable. I'm left-handed so I have no knowledge about catcher's gear.

It's movable.

Why would the piece be movable? No left handed catchers in MLB.

That would be like making pants with a third leg hole. Nobody in MLB has a .... uh nevermind.

I never said this had anything to do with MLB.

 

[jbhofmann]

[quote="Jeff N.":b147s2hb]

If a catcher were lefty he would be screwed.

Why? You just unattach the shoulder piece and move it to protect the left shoulder.

If the piece is even moveable. I'm left-handed so I have no knowledge about catcher's gear.

It's movable.

Why would the piece be movable? No left handed catchers in MLB.

That would be like making pants with a third leg hole. Nobody in MLB has a .... uh nevermind.

I never said this had anything to do with MLB.[/quote:b147s2hb]

Sorry for the "over your head" lame attempt at humor.

 

[thefatguy]

These are common in Sr. Mens league...they don't really hinder arm movements.

and its personal preference

 

[dethomas07]

It's movable.

Why would the piece be movable? No left handed catchers in MLB.

It snaps or velcros on so that you can switch it depending upon if the catcher (MLB, Little League, etc.) is a lefty or righty.

Noah's equipment came with it and he uses it to protect his throwing shoulder since the rest of that arm is positioned behind him normally. It has come in handy, too. It protects well, actually.

David

 

[Piratesfan1418]

They are moveable and I took mine off when I caught in high school. It always felt like it was in the way of my natural motion. Never had any desire to move it to the other side.

B