New Umpire Indicator

[RileyCohn]

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GBLZ5XS

 

We created this survey for umpires in order to gather information for creating a new and improved umpire indicator. If you are interested, take this survey and let us know what you think. Leave any additional comments here!

[grayhawk]

Took the survey.  FYI, if it's not notched, then I wouldn't buy one.

[CodyLoe15]

I sometimes accidentally clear the indicator for whatever reason, it would be nice to configure some sort or switch to set it back to what it was before it was cleared last

[Jocko]

Took the survey

[UMP45]

Took the survey.  FYI, if it's not notched, then I wouldn't buy one.

Why?

[umpstu]

 

Took the survey.  FYI, if it's not notched, then I wouldn't buy one.

Why?

 

Yes, please explain

[grayhawk]

With the indicator notched, I don't need to look at it to know what it says.  It's like braille.  The All Star is notched so that there are specific marks for each number.  I would not give up this feature.

[UMP45]

With the indicator notched, I don't need to look at it to know what it says.  It's like braille.  The All Star is notched so that there are specific marks for each number.  I would not give up this feature.

Why don't you want to look at it?

[JaxRolo]

With the indicator notched, I don't need to look at it to know what it says. It's like braille. The All Star is notched so that there are specific marks for each number. I would not give up this feature.

Why don't you want to look at it? I look at mine all the time! Just ask my evaluator!

[grayhawk]

 

With the indicator notched, I don't need to look at it to know what it says.  It's like braille.  The All Star is notched so that there are specific marks for each number.  I would not give up this feature.

Why don't you want to look at it?

 

 

I do look at it occasionally, but most evaluators will ding you if you look at it too often.  It's a nice tool to have when F1 is about to deliver and I want to confirm the count.  The less my eyes are on the indicator, the more they can be on F1.

[JaxRolo]

Why would you notch a digital indicator?

[grayhawk]

Why would you notch a digital indicator?

 

Maybe we are picturing different things.  By digital, I envision something you hold in your hand, but instead of little wheels with numbers on them, the digital indicator would have an LED type display.  You'd still have to look at it to see what it reads.

 

Perhaps there could be one where a receiver with a readout would be inside your mask, with a little bluetooth transmitter in your hand to change the count?  That would certainly not need to be notched.

[Platejob29]

 

Why would you notch a digital indicator?

 

Maybe we are picturing different things.  By digital, I envision something you hold in your hand, but instead of little wheels with numbers on them, the digital indicator would have an LED type display.  You'd still have to look at it to see what it reads.

 

Perhaps there could be one where a receiver with a readout would be inside your mask, with a little bluetooth transmitter in your hand to change the count?  That would certainly not need to be notched.

 

That sounds like a pretty good idea. I would be skeptical of the battery going dead in a game or a hard shot to the mask damaging the digital read out. I prefer not to use an indicator at all but some associations require it. I agree completely with having a notched indicator though. I have the all-star and I'm never going back to anything else.

[RileyCohn]

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Here's a quick design I created for those of you confused about what the survey was referring to.

 

1 click of the reset button would clear balls and strikes

 

Double clicking would reset balls, strikes, and outs.

 

Don't judge the design by my picture, it was just to give you an idea of the concept. It will look much nicer. 

 

The red things are push buttons, I'm not a good artist. 

[noumpere]

I sometimes accidentally clear the indicator for whatever reason, it would be nice to configure some sort or switch to set it back to what it was before it was cleared last

And that's going to be easier to do with the proposed design at least as I think it works.

 

I don't really understand the need for the electronic parts of the device.  It just seems like something else to go wrong for not much benefit.

[ricka56]

 

 

With the indicator notched, I don't need to look at it to know what it says.  It's like braille.  The All Star is notched so that there are specific marks for each number.  I would not give up this feature.

Why don't you want to look at it?

 

 

I do look at it occasionally, but most evaluators will ding you if you look at it too often.  It's a nice tool to have when F1 is about to deliver and I want to confirm the count.  The less my eyes are on the indicator, the more they can be on F1.

 

I am of feeble mind. Having a notched (braille) indicator has saved me from ringing up a batter on strike 2, many times. I like that I never have to use my eyes to read my indicator.

 

I often see new umpires taking too many peeks at their indicator. Sometimes they are peeking as they enter their stance, after F1 has engaged the rubber when an umpire's eyes should be on F1. My evaluator will never ding me on looking at it at the wrong time or too often.

 

I handled a manufacturer notched indicator a few weeks ago and prefer my homemade notched ones. The notches on mine are where my fingers usually rest (easily read) and I have one big wide notch for ball 3 (again for ease of recognition-I don't have to rub/count 3 notches).

[grayhawk]

I think All Star could improve the notches, and they were a little hard to get used to, but now that I am it's second nature to know the count based on the feel.  I don't "count" the notches, I just know what each number is by feel.

 

I know some guys that have notched theirs to know when it's zeroed out, but I think this has limited value.

[WES2006AG]

I like the notches on the All Star indicator. They have allowed me to work the indicator from the ballbag, like it much better that way.

[th3]

and make sure you're using a triangular file to notch those wheels - available at home depot for around $4

[JaxRolo]

Maybe it's because I work tball games but I don't get what a this trying to hide or not look at the clicker is all about. I understand assignor a in some areas wi ding you but really. Give me a break.

[ricka56]

Maybe it's because I work tball games but I don't get what a this trying to hide or not look at the clicker is all about. I understand assignor a in some areas wi ding you but really. Give me a break.

To me its not about the eval, its about keeping eyes on the field. Anytime you look at HP to line yourself up in the slot or take a peek at your indicator, you are giving Murphy the opportunity to ruin your day. Having a braille-type indicator eliminates many of those opportunities.

[noumpere]

It also makes it look like your unsure of yourself and or don't know what you are doing.

 

I have notched mine before but found it of limited value to me.  I rarely look at mine -- just to confirm a reset to 0-0 as I am putting on my mask after an out (not while I am going click-click-click to reset it)

[JaxRolo]

Maybe it's because I work tball games but I don't get what a this trying to hide or not look at the clicker is all about. I understand assignor a in some areas wi ding you but really. Give me a break.

To me its not about the eval, its about keeping eyes on the field. Anytime you look at HP to line yourself up in the slot or take a peek at your indicator, you are giving Murphy the opportunity to ruin your day. Having a braille-type indicator eliminates many of those opportunities.

It also makes it look like your unsure of yourself and or don't know what you are doing. I have notched mine before but found it of limited value to me. I rarely look at mine -- just to confirm a reset to 0-0 as I am putting on my mask after an out (not while I am going click-click-click to reset it)

I somewhat agree. But as you become more experienced you don't need to keep looking at it. You should just know what the count is. I have an indicator but I rarely use it even if I am holding it. If it's such a bad thing then Don't sell them!!! But to be hiding it or adjust you mask so you can peek at the indicator it's ridiculous ! How can you look unsure if you are using a tool you are supposed to be using! It's like telling a carpenter not to use a hammer because it's not "professional" Sorry guys I'm in a bad mood since now I'm on an unpaid vacation. Thanks nobama!

[grayhawk]

Get off the gubment teat and find a real job!  

[gnhbua93]

 

Maybe it's because I work tball games but I don't get what a this trying to hide or not look at the clicker is all about. I understand assignor a in some areas wi ding you but really. Give me a break.

To me its not about the eval, its about keeping eyes on the field. Anytime you look at HP to line yourself up in the slot or take a peek at your indicator, you are giving Murphy the opportunity to ruin your day. Having a braille-type indicator eliminates many of those opportunities.

It also makes it look like your unsure of yourself and or don't know what you are doing. I have notched mine before but found it of limited value to me. I rarely look at mine -- just to confirm a reset to 0-0 as I am putting on my mask after an out (not while I am going click-click-click to reset it)

I somewhat agree. But as you become more experienced you don't need to keep looking at it. You should just know what the count is. I have an indicator but I rarely use it even if I am holding it. If it's such a bad thing then Don't sell them!!! But to be hiding it or adjust you mask so you can peek at the indicator it's ridiculous ! How can you look unsure if you are using a tool you are supposed to be using! It's like telling a carpenter not to use a hammer because it's not "professional" Sorry guys I'm in a bad mood since now I'm on an unpaid vacation. Thanks nobama!

 

You can blame it on the Tea Party