EvoShield & Tyler Stephenson: A Catcher’s Gear Q&A

Get to know #EvoGeneral Tyler Stephenson and learn about his EvoShield Catcher’s Gear.

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson is the first Major League Baseball player to wear EvoShield catcher’s gear behind the dish in a regular season game, but his EvoShield fandom began long before his 2020 big league debut. Stephenson earned his nickname “Stevoshield” while playing high school baseball in Kennesaw, GA, and now he reps EvoShield at Great American Ball Park.

During Stephenson’s strong rookie campaign in 2020, the #EvoGeneral made highlight reel plays behind the dish and in the batter’s box. In his first career at-bat, a July debut against the Cubs, Stephenson slugged a 415-foot solo home run. When facing the Cubs again in September, Stephenson gunned down the speedy Billy Hamilton at second, showing off his arm and thwarting a stolen base attempt by one of the fastest men in baseball.

Get to know #EvoGeneral Tyler Stephenson, his thoughts on EvoShield catcher’s gear and his reflections on life in professional baseball.

Breaking into the Bigs with EvoShield Catcher’s Gear

EvoShield: You are the first catcher in MLB history to wear EvoShield gear behind the plate. How does it feel to be a pioneer in the gear space?

Stephenson: It’s pretty awesome. I’ve had a lot of people compliment me on it. Before it officially launched, I was having people (direct message) me all the time asking when it will come out. It’s cool to be a part of something that is new. To be involved in the designing, it’s a cool thing to do.

E: What are your favorite features of the catcher’s gear?

S: The biggest thing that has been great for me has been being able to adjust it and make it bigger. That’s something I’ve always had issues with, being a taller guy. Especially in high school, when I was first drafted, it was all a generic size.

With the leg pieces that you mold, (I love) being able to customize it to your needs instead of just a generic one-size-fits-all. The chest guard with the wire, it actually gives you support on the sides. One of the coolest things was, I think, the clip, with it being magnetic. There are so many times where you’re all twisted up and you’re trying to get it, but it’s just magnetized and clicks together.

E: What is unique about EvoShield catcher’s gear?

S: Being a younger kid, having the ability to customize your gear in a sense, like changing out the leg pieces with different colors, I know I would have been all over it. It’s all about the swag for the young kids, and I know they love that.

Stephenson’s EvoShield Connection

E: Where did your “Stevoshield” nickname come from?

S: It’s weird with baseball. Nobody calls each other by their first name. It’s either their last name or a nickname, and I’ve been called Steve, I’ve been called Stevo, and that’s where it kind of slid into “Oh, Stevoshield.”

E: What other EvoShield protective gear do you wear? Do you wear the elbow guard and the leg guard?

S: Yes, and I’ve also got the sliding mitt. It was 2017, I dove, I was sliding and jammed my thumb into the bag. I thought I tore a ligament. I ended up not tearing it, but it’s just kind of a safety thing now. There have been times where I’ve forgotten to wear my elbow guard for one at-bat and then, sure enough, you get hit in the elbow.

The Most Innovative Catcher’s Gear in Baseball

Behind the plate, Stephenson wears a full custom set of EvoShield catcher’s gear, including the Pro-SRZ Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protector, the Pro-SRZ Catcher’s Facemask and the Pro-SRZ Catcher’s Leg Guard System. The EvoShield Pro-SRZ baseball chest protector is available in two sizes, and EvoShield baseball catcher’s gear allows for a custom fit behind the dish.

Want to wear the same EvoShield protective gear that Stephenson trusts behind the plate, in the batter’s box and on the basepaths? Grab yours at EvoShield.com, then follow our fitting videos to get your gear right for the season.  Follow along with Stephenson all season on Instagram @tylerstep22 and on Twitter @Tyler_Step22.