Nowadays, it’s widespread to see catchers mixing and matching their most well-liked masks model with totally different gear. This may be attributed to new and improved head safety expertise that not all manufacturers supply. For instance, a catcher that wears a Force3 masks with Nike gear has turn out to be widespread and gamers make selections for safeguarding their heads exterior of contractual obligations. For instance, Nike athlete Will Smith prefers the Force3 masks, so he wears it. Nike doesn’t require Smith to put on Nike branding on his head, as a result of they acknowledge that the protection of somebody’s head and mind supersedes advertising and marketing contracts.
Earlier than we see the stats, what do you put on?
Loading …Force3 Masks: Worn by 47% of MLB Beginning Catchers
Force3’s reputation has skyrocketed amongst catchers lately they usually have been named an Official Catcher’s Masks Companion of MLB Gamers, Inc in 2021. The standard head safety that their Defender Masks present helped them earn the highest spot on this class. Nationwide League standouts Will Smith, Travis d’Arnaud, and Austin Hedges all selected Force3 in 2022.
All-Star Masks: Worn by 30% of MLB Beginning Catchers
All-Star has been one of many strongest manufacturers within the recreation for years, particularly amongst catchers. Though Force3 is in management for the time being, All-Star catcher’s masks/helmets are a mainstay in MLB, and with the introduction of the MVP5 helmet (worn by Rutschman beneath), their most secure helmet thus far, they could be coming for the crown.
The MVP5’s shock absorption is totally different than Force3’s, nevertheless it appears to perform the same outcome: defending the pinnacle of essentially the most irreplaceable man on the sector. Two of the League’s greatest up-and-coming catching stars, Adley Rutschman and Joey Bart, rocked All-Star helmets all through the season.
Different Masks Manufacturers Worn By MLB Beginning Catchers
Rounding out the record have been Nike (13%), Rawlings (7%), and EvoShield (3%). In previous seasons, Nike and Rawlings have been way more prevalent. In 2022, it regarded like a majority of catchers have been extra involved with head safety than endorsements and chosen catcher-specific manufacturers All-Star and Force3.
Two-Piece Masks vs Hockey-Type Helmets
What type of headgear a catcher chooses to put on in recreation is all about desire. You might be more likely to see MLB catchers carrying conventional two-piece type masks relatively than hockey-style. This remained true in 2022, with 77% carrying two-piece and 23% going with hockey-style.
It is very important really feel comfy behind the plate, and choosing the proper gear could make all of the distinction in the way in which a catcher performs. The league’s two hottest gear manufacturers, Nike and All-Star, are worn by 73% of all beginning catchers, together with among the league’s finest.
Earlier than we get into the professionals, what chest and leg guards do you put on?
Loading …Nike: Worn by 53% of MLB Beginning Catchers
Nike, the advertising and marketing juggernaut, has been a giant participant within the catching recreation for a number of years. Catchers characteristic prominently on tv broadcasts and that signifies that they’re supplied profitable contracts to put on the gear. Their player-exclusive gear is among the most sought-after items of baseball gear amongst non-professional and unsponsored catchers. (By the way in which, nonetheless no phrase from Nike on catchers gear at Dick’s). They prepared the ground within the chest and leg guard class with All-Stars like J.T. Realmuto, Willson Contreras, and Gary Sanchez all sporting Nike gear this previous season.
All-Star: Worn by 20% of MLB Beginning Catchers
Though All-Star sits 33 factors beneath Nike, they continue to be a powerful contender amongst catchers gear manufacturers. 2022 Platinum Glover Jose Trevino and Alejandro Kirk each relied on All-Star gear behind the dish throughout their breakout years.
Different Gear Manufacturers Worn by MLB Beginning Catchers
There was a steep dropoff in gear reputation behind the highest two leaders. Rounding out the record of remaining manufacturers was Easton holding 10%, Rawlings and Force3 with 7%, and EvoShield sitting in final at 3%.
Wherever you look, you’ll discover no less than one fixed within the MLB; Rawlings gloves. In response to our 2022 WPW Glove Report, Rawlings managed nearly all of all gloves worn by MLB starters (55%). This pattern was additionally true for catchers, however by a a lot bigger margin.
Rawlings Gloves: Worn by 70% of MLB Beginning Catchers
In 2022, catchers have been useless even with middle fielders for the very best proportion of Rawlings gloves utilized by place. Most well-liked by Gold Glovers like Sean Murphy, two-time winner J.T. Realmuto, and five-time winner Salvador Perez; Rawlings continued to dominate the glove market not solely amongst catchers however all the league.
All-Star Gloves: Worn by 13% of MLB Beginning Catchers
At 13%, All-Star is the second hottest model on this group. They proceed to provide high quality gloves which can be most well-liked by gamers like Max Stassi of the Angels and Martin Maldonado of the Astros.
Different Gloves Worn by MLB Beginning Catchers
We solely noticed a handful of beginning catchers utilizing glove manufacturers apart from Rawlings and All-Star, together with Mizuno (worn by Travis d’Arnaud and Jonah Heim), Wilson (Worn by Tyler Stephenson), Easton (worn by Austin Hedges), and Force3 (worn by Yasmani Grandal).
Tell us what gear you like behind the dish!
