History+of+Catching

==== Over the years, the position of catcher has evolved a lot. Obviously the equipment has changed, but the responsibilities of the Catcher have changed too. It used to be that the catcher wasn't really the controller of the game that it is now. It used to be the pitcher calling his own pitches. That is now the catcher's job. ==== ====  ==== ==== The Mask: Up until 1876 when the first mask was introduced, catchers just used mouth gaurds for protection. The very first catcher’s mask was just an adaption of the already invented fencing mask. By 1910 inventors came up with a new model that bettered the catcher’s peripheral vision (ability to see out of "the corner of your eye"). In the 1970’s, The throat protector came into existence. The throat protector is the plastic strip that hangs from the bottom of the mask to cover your neck. It was originally just a strap of leather hanging from the mask that didn't really protect your neck at all. ====

==== Shin Gaurds: Shin Gaurds are similiar today to when they were first created, with a few modifications. In 2009 they switched from padded fabric to hard plastic to give better protection from the hard balls. Catchers also now use “Knee-Savers”, little bags at the back of the shin gaurds to make it more comfortable. The Knee-Savers also take some strain off of the knees and legs. ====

==== Chest Protector: Chest Protectors are also similiar to how they were when they were created. Catchers used to wear them underneath their uniforms though. Today they are lighter and use polyfabrics. The lightness of the chest protectors makes the catcher quicker to block the ball in the dirt. Using polyfabrics makes it hurt a lot less when you get hit in the chest with the ball. This gives the catcher more confidence and takes away the fear to block the ball. ==== ====  ==== ==== The Mitt: The original Mitt was introduced in 1870. Gloves were originally just flat padded things. The first glove with the substantial web was made in the 1940’s. The first catchers mitt is credited to Doug Allison of the Cincinatti Red Stockings. In 1870, Allison was suffering from hand injuries due to catching the ball bare handed. He decided to use an open fingered buck skin glove to protect his hand. The Catcher’s mitt was originally designed not to catch the ball but to knock it to the ground when the ctcher would pick it up and throw it to the pitcher. Albert Spalding created catchers mitts for wide distribution in 1877 using a similiar design to Allison. The modern day design may be attributed to Harry Decker. He sewed a glove into the back of a pillow. By the 1920’s the mitt included a pocket to actually catch the ball insead of simply knocking it to the ground. The evolution of catchers' mitts over the years has led to more padding and longer shapes. One of the most functional design changes occurred in the late 1960s. Popularized by Johnny Bench and Randy Hundley, the hinged catcher's mitt continues to be used today. The hinged mitts feature spring-action hinges that quickly close the mitt around the ball upon contact. Prior to the hinged mitt design, catchers had great difficulty catching a ball with only one hand, as the ball would frequently pop back out of the pocket. This design revolutionized catchers' mitts and the way catchers approached the game. ====

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