Baseball has been known to be our national pastime for decades now. It is a fun game to play or watch. However, it is one of the top impact injury sports rated as players risk getting serious injuries through collisions, batted balls, and wild pitches. Thus, it’s not just about wearing a fancy Cal Ripken Jr jersey but having the correct protective gear like helmets, gloves, elbow and leg guards.
Protective gears and where they protect
The head–helmet
Your head is the most critical part of your body. Head injuries, especially from baseball bats, can quickly get fatal or even lead to death. It is possible for a pitcher to throw a ball at the speed of 100 miles per hour. This can cause severe head injury if the player is not wearing the correct helmet. Helmets help absorb shock, sweat, and pressure caused by the game. The best helmet should come with an eye shield and a faceguard. It should fit perfectly in place to provide maximum protection.
The elbow–elbow guards
Hands injuries are arguably the most common in most baseball games. According to studies, most baseball injuries sustained by players are non-contact injuries to dominant arms. Players often get injured on the elbows and wrist if not adequately protected. Elbow guards are the appropriate gears to wear as they come with a hard-shell cover that protects the elbow by dispersing the energy and pressure directed to it upon impact. Make sure that your elbow guards are firm and comfortable, not too loose and not too tight.
chest–chest protector
You can also get injured on your chest when a ball is thrown. The chest cavity is quite sensitive. A small hit or contact can lead to life-threatening problems, and for this reason, it’s crucial that you have the right gear to protect yourself. Simply, wearing a Cal Ripken Jr jersey is never enough. A full-length chest protector is an ideal gear for your chest. It will help you avoid trouble with balls and bats.
Knee–knee pad
Your knee is susceptible to injuries all through the game. Bruises, bumps, and abrasions are very common to baseballers. These can be particularly uncomfortable to deal with when playing. However, protective knee pads can help keep your knee safe and cover the joint from contact with the harsh game equipment.
The ankle and shin– leg guards
Your ankle is composed of some of the most fragile bones, and for you to stay safe, you must protect these areas with quality leg guards. The ankle guards cover the ankle, shin and the whole the top part of the foot with shell-like material that helps disperse impact and limit energy absorbed by contact.