Protect Your Elbow With a Baseball Elbow Guard

A hit-by-pitch on the elbow or hand is one of the most common ways hitters get hurt. Batting protection is light, cheap compared to a missed season, and mostly allowed by the rules. This guide covers what each piece does and what to check before buying.

Elbow guards

An elbow guard covers the point of the lead elbow (the one facing the pitcher), which is exposed in most batting stances. Most are a hard plastic shell over foam, held with straps or a sleeve.

• Fit: it should cover the point of the elbow and not slide when you swing. Try a few practice swings.
• Size: youth and adult sizes differ in length; measure from mid-forearm to mid-upper arm.
• Rules: some leagues limit guard size, especially at the high school and college level. Check your rulebook.

Batting helmet with face guard

A helmet is required in almost every league. Look for the NOCSAE stamp, which means it meets the current safety standard. A face guard (C-flap or cage) protects the jaw and cheek and is required in some youth leagues.

Hand and wrist protection

Hand guards cover the back of the lead hand, where a pitch commonly hits. Batting gloves improve grip but offer little impact protection on their own.

Shin and foot guards

Foul balls off the foot and shin are common. A leg guard on the front leg protects the shin and ankle.

Protective cups

Recommended for all male players, and especially for catchers and infielders.

Good habits

• Replace any helmet or guard that is cracked or has lost padding.
• Protection doesn’t replace learning to turn away from an inside pitch, which a coach can teach.
• If a hitter is hit on the elbow or hand and has swelling or can’t grip a bat, have it checked before playing again.

Source: NOCSAE; check your league’s equipment rules.

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