Catcher Thumb Guards | Everything You Need To Know

What is a thumb guard in baseball?

Let’s face it, they’re becoming increasingly popular!  Baseball thumb guards are built to prevent thumb injury and hyper-extension from foul tipped balls. Because catchers handle a lot behind the plate, they're more prone to injury than others.

Although every position in baseball is demanding in its own way, catchers tend to take the most contact — whether from opponents or their own pitcher. Disagree? Feel free to debate the hardest position in baseball here.

Regardless, you may have noticed that a catcher tends to wear extra protection, including on their thumb. Do you know what that is? JustBallGloves.com has the answer.

Why do baseball players wear thumb guards?

As mentioned above, players are beginning to wear baseball thumb guards for protective measures — in fact, they’re seen as a necessity for players after age 12. For example, catchers can be struck by bats and balls resulting in serious injury when opponents are batting at the plate. And most importantly, a catcher thumb guard will alleviate the continuous impact of hard throwers and reduce the likelihood of injury. Fortunately, we’ve already done the search for the best catcher thumb guard out there.

Who makes the best catcher thumb guards?

The leading manufacturer in protective gear technology is EvoShield. From compression arm sleeves to wrist guards, EvoShield is an industry leader in baseball and softball. 

EvoShield produces the catcher's thumb guard, which is what is on the catcher's thumb. The goal of the thumb guard is simple: protect against unnecessary injury to the catcher. Other key points about the thumb guard:

• It comes in Adult Large only because pitches that could cause potential injury don't start until age 12.
• Hard-throwing pitches put the catcher at risk of hyperextension from foul tips that could drive the thumb backward.
• Catcher's Thumb (n): also called mallet thumb, this injury occurs when a force causes hyperextension of the upper interphalangeal joint of the thumb. Besides baseball and softball, this injury is also common in soccer.

Do MLB catchers wear thumb guards?

Absolutely. The EvoShield Thumb Guard is inexpensive given the protection it gives. More than half of the thumb guards you see on professional catchers are EvoShield. Since the guard helps disperse the impact of the hand and reduces the risk of bone bruises, it's no surprise that it's being used more and more at all levels. Many times, players notice increased comfortability and grip strength as a result.

How do you wear a thumb guard in baseball?

The catcher's thumb guards have no issue fitting in all types of catchers mitts. All EvoShield protective devices are delivered in a sealed foil package in gel form. Once opened and placed, they form and harden into a protective shell (takes about 20 minutes).

What do you think? Did you know that these were what is on the catcher's thumb? 

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