{"product_id":"valle-eagle-t28s-softball-catchers-training-mitt","title":"Valle Eagle T28S Softball Catchers Training Mitt","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Valle Eagle T28S is a 28 inch catcher's training mitt built specifically for softball. It is undersized on purpose: a fastpitch game mitt runs 33 to 35 inches, so this removes most of the catching surface and requires the ball to be received in the pocket. Everything else follows the Eagle S-Series, with a Japanese steerhide shell, USA-tanned lacing and an adjustable Velcro strap wrist back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Softball Catchers Need Their Own Trainer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 12 inch softball needs more mitt than a smaller ball does, and that changes what an undersized trainer has to be. Size the mitt for the wrong ball and the drill stops teaching and starts frustrating. At 28 inches the T28S is small enough to demand a clean catch in the pocket while still being a mitt a fastpitch catcher can work a full bullpen with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other difference is pitch movement. Fastpitch pitchers work with rise, drop and screw movement arriving on a plane of its own, and receiving that cleanly is its own skill. Training it on a mitt that punishes an imprecise catch is the fastest way to find out whether a catcher is receiving the ball or chasing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA 28 Inch Pattern, Firm Leather\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shell is Japanese steerhide with USA-tanned leather lacing, built firm. Firmness is deliberate on every Valle trainer: a mitt that softens into a deep scoop starts catching the ball for you, which is the opposite of the point. This one holds its shape through a season of bullpens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe adjustable Velcro strap wrist back keeps the mitt tied to the hand, which matters for a catcher more than for any other position because the same spot takes impact hundreds of times in a session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho the T28S Is For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFastpitch softball catchers from roughly high school upward, travel programmes and college staffs, and instructors running receiving work. It is also useful for a catcher moving up a level, where pitch speed and movement both increase and receiving habits that worked in youth ball stop working.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a training mitt, not a game mitt. It is not legal or practical for games and is not padded for blocking drills, which should be done in a game mitt with full gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Train With It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShort, deliberate blocks inside a bullpen. Set early, receive in the pocket, and hold the mitt still through the catch rather than pulling the ball toward the zone. Work the corners on purpose: the mitt is least forgiving away from the middle, which is exactly where a fastpitch catcher earns strikes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTen to fifteen minutes is enough before switching back to the game mitt, and the switch is the part that makes it stick. A 34 inch fastpitch mitt feels enormous after a set with this, and that contrast is where the confidence comes from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor volume sessions, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/valle-eagle-g-pad-glove-pad\"\u003eEagle G-Pad\u003c\/a\u003e sits in the index finger slot and absorbs the repeated impact that leads to bone bruising, which a smaller mitt concentrates into a smaller area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCaring for the Mitt\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreak it in by catching with it, and nothing else. Steaming, soaking, microwaving or baking a mitt softens what is meant to stay firm and voids the warranty. Air dry after a wet session, store it closed around a ball, and keep it out of hot cars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValle covers the glove with a one year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship, running from the date you receive it. Worth knowing: the warranty is void if the glove is steamed, soaked, microwaved or baked to speed up break-in. Playing catch with it is the method that keeps it intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eValle Eagle T28S Softball Catchers Training Mitt Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: undersized softball catcher's training mitt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries: Valle Eagle S-Series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 28 inch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeighted: no\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeather: Japanese steerhide shell with USA-tanned leather lacing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrist back: adjustable Velcro strap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHand: right hand throw\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSport: softball\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntended use: receiving and framing work in fastpitch bullpens and machine sessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is Included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne T28S training mitt, right hand throw. Valle does not supply this model in left hand throw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy 28 inches rather than smaller?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 12 inch softball needs a bigger pocket than the smaller trainers in the Eagle range provide. Twenty-eight inches is well undersized against a 33 to 35 inch fastpitch game mitt while still receiving a softball cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs there a left handed version?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Valle supplies the T28S in right hand throw only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan it be used in a game?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is a training mitt, undersized by design, and not intended or legal for game use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I block with it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Blocking work belongs in a game mitt with full protective gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow often should a catcher use it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTen to fifteen minute blocks inside regular bullpen work, finishing in the game mitt so the feel transfers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Valle","offers":[{"title":"Right Hand Throw","offer_id":51671723114811,"sku":"V01-T28S-RHT","price":169.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0957\/4658\/8987\/files\/valle-eagle-t28s-softball-catchers-training-mitt-front.png?v=1789001357","url":"https:\/\/www.hittingstore.com\/products\/valle-eagle-t28s-softball-catchers-training-mitt","provider":"HittingStore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}