Coolest thing I've ever seen

[KYUmpire]

Had a 12u LL game tonight. I've got the plate. During plate meeting, coach of the home team informs all of us that their catcher is deaf and asks me if I'd mind helping the catcher out. Tap left shoulder for ball and right shoulder for called strike. I said I have no problem with that and neither does visiting team coach. All goes smoothly and after the game, catcher signs to me that he appreciated the help back there. Anyway get to the parking lot and dad comes up to me and shows me a project he is working on. Apparently he is an engineer of some sort and likes to tinker. He is working on a special indicator for plate umpire that sends a wireless signal to two pads placed underneath sons cp, they are about the size of quarter and about as thick. When PU rolls the dials for ball or strikes it vibrates corresponding pad again left shoulder for ball and right shoulder for strike. He showed me how it worked and I'll be damned it worked, rolled the dials and pads vibrated. Indicator was about 50% larger than normal ones. Asked what I thought about using and said as long as it was approved by the league and our umpire director I would see no reason that I wouldn't use it. He then asked what other umpires would think. And I said that he should ask them when he has the chance but felt confident they would use it as well. Was curious about what you all think about this.

[Jocko]

I smell a patent.

[mstaylor]

The only problem is using an indicator is a muscle memory thing and it could cause the umpire to roll the wrong dials and lose the count. I have worked a deaf college and have done the slap the catcher thing. When I did it, you only slapped his side on strikes.

[renegadewolf]

I have to admit, a pretty darn cool and inventive idea there. I'm not sure I am personally big on the idea of having another thing to try and concentrate on behind the plate. Perhaps as it is mentioned that the device functions wirelessly it may be more beneficial to have either a fan or his own coach use the device to let the catcher know what was called. This of course relies on the fact the plate umpire is making clear calls that an operator would be able to see and or hear, which can cause its own little issues as much as anything else. overall though, some serious props to the dad for coming up with something to help diminish his sons disability on the field.

[Pete Peterson Sr]

Sounds like a good idea, but honestly,how practical would it be ? How many deaf catchers would one umpire see ?

[noumpere]

Sounds like a good idea, but honestly,how practical would it be ? How many deaf catchers would one umpire see ?

I'm sure that it would be sold to the team / catcher and lent to the umpire for that game.

The issue I see is that umpires get used to their particular indicator (balls or strikes on top and 4 balls or three balls and I'm not trying to start a discusion about either) and ttying to chage could cause problems

[mstaylor]

Sounds like a good idea, but honestly,how practical would it be ? How many deaf catchers would one umpire see ?

I'm sure that it would be sold to the team / catcher and lent to the umpire for that game.

The issue I see is that umpires get used to their particular indicator (balls or strikes on top and 4 balls or three balls and I'm not trying to start a discusion about either) and ttying to chage could cause problems

That was my point, muscle memory could screw us up.

[BRUMP]

I see a potential problem hear. What happens when on 1-1 the batter gets a hit and you have to reset the indicator? That could get annoying for the catcher.

[Jocko]

I see potential. If they could make the transmitter small enough to fit inside a standard size 4 wheel metal indicator, it would be much more user friendly.

[Dannytheman]

I am all for grabbing technology advanatages. If this brings more convenience to allow more people to enjoy the worlds greatest game, I am all for it!

[KYUmpire]

See even though I am new here, I knew that you all would have some great input on this. I think that you have raised some very valid points and will share them, hopefully he can come up with something really cool that could help his son and maybe some other kids. Still seems like a very small market, so maybe this is only something to help his son out for right now, but in the future who knows.

[Jocko]

Why not have their scorekeeper have the transmitter? Buzz it just for strikes. F2 only needs 1 reciever. Save a little $ and noone can possibly raise the question of fairness.

[kylejt]

Let's not stop there. We can put another button on it for shocking loud mouth coaches, who will be required to wear some sort of collar, or Nutty Buddy.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt.

[BRUMP]

Let's not stop there. We can put another button on it for shocking loud mouth coaches, who will be required to wear some sort of collar, or Nutty Buddy.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt.

Why stop at catchers put one of those electric fence things they use for dogs on coaches. If they come within 10 feet of you they get a shock? They gotta learn somehow.

[Jocko]

Required wireless prostate.... Nevermind

[Ump29]

And what about an umpire who does not use a counter ?

[Jocko]

And what about an umpire who does not use a counter ?

if he doesn't use a counter, where is the coffee pot?

[mstaylor]

I really disagree with ot using one on the plate, bases are optional but play really have one.

[Dannytheman]

I really disagree with ot using one on the plate, bases are optional but play really have one.

I'd be lost without my indicator. It took me two years to trust myself changing it without looking. Now I only look at it when I need to, which is rarely, but I always know it is right, except when it isn't. :shrug:

[Ump29]

I too rarely look at my counter (the umpire one - not the coffee pot holder) on the plate. On the bases my counter is in my pocket, keeping track of the innings.

[JaxRolo]

And what about an umpire who does not use a counter ?

You mean a clicker?

[mstaylor]

And what about an umpire who does not use a counter ?

You mean a clicker?

That's indiclicker sir.

[johnnyg08]

I smell a patent.

No money in it. Awesome idea for his son though.

[Jocko]

I smell a patent.

No money in it. Awesome idea for his son though.

agreed. Very niche market.