I have full set of catchers gear and like to catch as well but my eyes are bad.
One DD just started getting consistent lessons and hit 62mph on the gun today. Her speed and my eyes are a bad combo. Her curve always seems to find my damn thumb!!!
Her twin is slower due to late start and is still willing to take direction from me so I have that for now.
I picked up an evosheild thumb guard for my catchers mitt. Made life easier.. thats the other reason I like to catch DD ever so often to keep up with her speed