At what age do pitchers stop wearing heart guards?

[Scott_K]

I understand all the pros/cons (safety-comfort, etc). Has anyone heard of any injuries/issues past 12U? I have been told pitchers' reflex can contain hard hit balls to chest region, although face and feet are other story...

 

[CARDS]

Impact protection is worn at all levels of play from recreational to pro mens or womens baseball and softball. You can be highly skilled it only takes one shot and depending on the level of play the one shot risk increase as the competition improves.
Look for the jersey style that goes under the uniform: Evoshield, hex pad, D30, Body Guard are just a few. They are lighter more flexible and most people do not even know you have it on.

As far as pitchers getting hit, Yes at the older ages I have seen pitchers drilled in the chest and face 14 to 18U and some not as bad 12 and under. Practice is where most injuries seem to happen do the the repetition so I would make any protection all game/practice protection.

 

[0203bbmom]

Mine is wearing hers as long as I am on this earth!!!!!!!

 

[DanMaz]

GO TO www.pleasewearamask.com

 

[Scott_K]

Thanks for the responses. Yes, she will always wear a mask (SMART). Has an Evosheild now. Thanks for the other mfg's. Will take at look at them

 

[Pitchermom]

Mine wears an Evoshield as well with no plans to stop, she is 14u. She plays 3rd as well so double duty. She didn’t start wearing it until 12u. Protested that she’d feel too hot, etc. Then she took a hit right to the stomach. She was ok but definitely knocked the wind out of her. Continued pitching after a “time out” but was very sore that night and the next day. The chest protector would not have helped in that case, but if that hit was just a few inches higher...scary. We ordered the Evoshield that week.

 

[finfan365]

I'm curious about the elbow guards. I see them, used at all ages. I have an older DD now playing in 16u and never used one. I'm curious, does anyone see more confidence in the box with batters who use them?

I ask because my 11 year old decided she didn't want to play after this year, because of her fear of being hit by faster pitchers she would face at 12u. She is small for an 11yo and hasn't hit a growth spurt yet.

She was fine with slower and moderate pitchers, but her team faced some great 10u teams this year at Cap City showdown and the world series and some of the speeds she faced shook her. Some were in the mid to upper 50's. One team we played won the pitching speed with a 57mph.

I'm wondering if having that little bit of protection would mentally help her a little.

As a side note, she did sub for her team in a friendly and faced some faster pitchers this past weekend, and realized that extra 5 feet makes a difference. She was surprised at the fact she was not really scared, but still unsure she wanted to return next year.

 

[M & R Davis]

I suppose the elbow guard could help with confidence. What sold me was after one of my players took one right on the elbow and the pain and such she was in. Luckily nothing broken but the next week 5-6 of the girls had elbow protectors including my daughter. Really no negative I can see to it.