Showing a three ball count

[cbiesecker]

What's your preferred method for showing a three ball count using the left hand. I've seen it done two ways:

1. middle-ring-little finger combination

2. index-middle-ring finger combination

I've found that it's easier for me to use the middle-ring-little finger combo, as I can hold onto my indicator more easily with my thumb and index finger.

Please note that I didn't ask for the "right" or "proper" method, just your preferred method.

Oh, if there is another option that I didn't mention, please share it.

[UmpJeff]

What's your preferred method for showing a three ball count using the left hand. I've seen it done two ways:

1. middle-ring-little finger combination

I've found that it's easier for me to use the middle-ring-little finger combo, as I can hold onto my indicator more easily with my thumb and index finger.

Plus 1

[sdix00]

What's your preferred method for showing a three ball count using the left hand. I've seen it done two ways:

1. middle-ring-little finger combination

2. index-middle-ring finger combination

I've found that it's easier for me to use the middle-ring-little finger combo, as I can hold onto my indicator more easily with my thumb and index finger.

Please note that I didn't ask for the "right" or "proper" method, just your preferred method.

Oh, if there is another option that I didn't mention, please share it.

At the risk of falling for the old "How much does your clicker weigh?" question. . .

My way is how I'm told to do it.

[cbiesecker]

No trick question intended, just trying to learn from the U-E community.

Thanks for the feedback. It helps to know that I'm using a method that is used by others.

[yawetag]

I used to do #2, but started #1 last year.

[JaxRolo]

I use #1 because thats what they tell us to us.

Have never used #2

[UMP45]

I use the second one. I don.t hold an indicator it is just easier for me.

[johnnyg08]

My way is how I'm told to do it.

Me too.

[Chris Hickman]

I use the the Buckwheat method. I do the " oh-Tay" sign with my left hand. On a side note. I NEVER give a 3-0 count with my 2 hands . These are the following sequences where I give the count :

1-2, 2-1 and 3-2. Now I will give an odd count after a foul ball. If I do show a count for 1,2 or balls only or 1 or 2 strikes only I use only one hand. I am sure my methods will raise some comments.

[mstaylor]

I am in the number 1 camp. I have never been taught one method over the other, I just can do it effortlessly, two is harder.

[NCAAump2]

I was taught a couple years ago to use the index, middle, and pinky fingers (holding indicator between thumb and ring finger. Reasoning behind that was apparently when I was younger, the way I did it then (index, middle, ring) made it look like my fingers were just bunched together.

[Pops]

The thumb actually hold the index finger down much easier than trying to reach over to the pinky. So I use #1.

[rodatc]

My way is how I'm told to do it.

Me too.

And for me

[Kevin Finnerty]

I'm on record as not carrying an indicator on the bases. Well, I also don't hold one behind the plate. I keep it in a modified pocket in my left Dri-Lo. I reach in after the pitch and turn a wheel. I zero it out, rarely looking at it to do so. It was a process to learn to put it away, stop looking at it and stop depending on it at all. The only reason I have it and actually keep it on the correct numbers throughout the game is to have a tool to prove to myself and others the count or number of outs. That is necessary zero to one, perhaps two times per game. It is a very free feeling to not hold it, and an even better feeling to not really need it at all.

That being said, I use--and love--the heaviest, most durable, most expensive all-steel indicator there is:

.

[NWA_UMP]

I'm with Kevin on this one...I don't hold an indicator either. Into the ball bag it goes and stays.

The more important question is...how do you give the count?

I have been taught to give the count on the 3rd & 5th pitch in a time at bat...or in a critical situation.

How many folks giving a 3-2 count put up a fist on both right/left hands? How many folks give a "hook'em" horns for the 2 strike signal?

That is one of the first things our group catches and corrects...we don't like the 'Horns arounf here and a fist is not a number...

[sdix00]

I agree a fist is not a number.

This is why I simply hold up "three and three" and watch them slink back to the dugout. :angel4:

[Umpire in Chief]

That being said, I use--and love--the heaviest, most durable, most expensive all-steel indicator there is:

.

Just how heavy is it... :fuel:

[AZump78]

Any votes for this "alternate" 3-ball signal?

[sdix00]

Any votes for this "alternate" 3-ball signal?

Shocking

[Umpire in Chief]

Reminds me of the saying from Rocket City Rednecks

[Thunderheads]

Any votes for this "alternate" 3-ball signal?

Shocking

LMAO!!!

[midmoump]

I like Jerry Crawford's 0-1 count:

[cbiesecker]

I like Jerry Crawford's 0-1 count:

Now that's the type of real world example that a new umpire can learn from. Excellent!

[Umpire in Chief]

If you get just a moment with Jerry, you will learn and laugh a lot.

[grayhawk]

That being said, I use--and love--the heaviest, most durable, most expensive all-steel indicator there is:

.

Just how heavy is it...

I use this indicator as well. I've never weighed it, but I couldn't believe how heavy it was when I got it in the mail. Let's just say this - if you were to hit a coach in the head with it, he would likely be unconscious. It comes notched, and only goes up to 3 balls, 2 strikes and 2 outs - faster to zero out.