Hitting For The Specialty Catcher’s Gear Cycle - Sandy Leon, Red Sox Game Used

For catcher’s gear collectors, we are in a golden age.  Those of us who closely watch the position have seen an explosion of specialty catcher’s gear sets and a certain amount of innovation. I can’t say 100% for certain, but I think the specialty gear trend began with the manufacturer All Star in the early 2000s, see the prior blog post on Jason Varitek.  Now many different manufacturers produce the specialty gear and certain catchers will wear specialty gear for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day and the 4th of July.  

Shin Guard Detail

Chest Protector Detail

Batting Glove Detail

This gear is highly sought after, frequently auctioned for charity and generally very difficult to collect. For several years we have been trying to collect a catchers gear cycle, a set from each holiday, and that goal has finally been reached.  The details on the gear are what makes it so fun.  For example, the Nike Memorial Day gear carries through a patriotic ribbon from the shinguards to the chest protector to the batting gloves.  As time has gone on, manufacturers have coordinated cleats, arm sleeves, batting gloves and other items.  Further, the advent of Stance socks have been a great addition.  More gear to see in the Catchers Collection