indicator

[MadMax]

Which one do you use and why?

 

I don't use one at all. None. Nil. Zip. Zero.

 

I was a catcher for 16 years. Everything I did was with the right hand, because what's on the left hand? So yeah, I was one of "those guys" that had the indicator in the right hand and took my mask off with the right hand, etc. Guys like @BRUMP broke me of that habit, but after starting to use the indicator in the left hand, I started to train myself as a field/base umpire to not use an indicator in the field (and you shouldn't anyway). I was in the midst of keeping the count sans indicator when I was struck with an epiphany (no, not a batted ball) while watching my PU partner work... after every pitch, every action, he would bring up his indicator and look at it, like a tricoder in Star Trek. I vowed never to be that guy.

 

So, I embarked on a mental training regimen, and I have not used an indicator for a full year now. Coaches, catchers, occasional fans, and fellow umpires have remarked at how noticeably unique that is. When a fellow umpire and I discuss this topic, I honestly convey the merits of going sans-indicator, because you feel that much more involved in the game. Is it for everyone? Heck no. Have I been perfect without one? Heck no again... I rung up a kid of a BHBM* on two strikes because the sheer number of pick-off attempts being made to 1B (I lost count after eight) upset my "word game in my head" that I use to keep the count. I am committed, I will never use an indicator again...

 

... Unless it's a digital one, designed in a much more ergonomic way. Maybe I'll design it. Be a geek and put Bluetooth on it. Tells you the count into an earpiece.

 

* - Blistering HBM. I was reminded of this guffaw five weeks later at CDP when I checked up on the team and ran into this parent in the fan gallery.

[JHSump]

 

Which one do you use and why?

 

I don't use one at all. None. Nil. Zip. Zero.

 

I was a catcher for 16 years. Everything I did was with the right hand, because what's on the left hand? So yeah, I was one of "those guys" that had the indicator in the right hand and took my mask off with the right hand, etc. Guys like @BRUMP broke me of that habit, but after starting to use the indicator in the left hand, I started to train myself as a field/base umpire to not use an indicator in the field (and you shouldn't anyway). I was in the midst of keeping the count sans indicator when I was struck with an epiphany (no, not a batted ball) while watching my PU partner work... after every pitch, every action, he would bring up his indicator and look at it, like a tricoder in Star Trek. I vowed never to be that guy.

 

So, I embarked on a mental training regimen, and I have not used an indicator for a full year now. Coaches, catchers, occasional fans, and fellow umpires have remarked at how noticeably unique that is. When a fellow umpire and I discuss this topic, I honestly convey the merits of going sans-indicator, because you feel that much more involved in the game. Is it for everyone? Heck no. Have I been perfect without one? Heck no again... I rung up a kid of a BHBM* on two strikes because the sheer number of pick-off attempts being made to 1B (I lost count after eight) upset my "word game in my head" that I use to keep the count. I am committed, I will never use an indicator again...

 

... Unless it's a digital one, designed in a much more ergonomic way. Maybe I'll design it. Be a geek and put Bluetooth on it. Tells you the count into an earpiece.

 

* - Blistering HBM. I was reminded of this guffaw five weeks later at CDP when I checked up on the team and ran into this parent in the fan gallery.

 

What's the word game you play to keep track of the count?

[woodiemiller]

I use my brain a.k.a. my memory as in NO INDICATOR in my hand. If you can forget to add or reset with an indicator, whats the point of having one at all?

[James Walker]

I use the Allstar... Never look at it after the first couple of games and learned to "read" the dials. Started working the indicator out of my LH ball bag and the size makes it easy to find. Weight doesn't bother me cause it stays in the bag.

[grayhawk]

I use the All Star and everything about it is natural.  I don't have huge hands, but I have no problem turning the wheels, "reading" the notches with my fingertips, or taking off my mask with the indicator in my hand.  Having to remember the count just adds more to my mental plate than I really need - I guess I'm just not as smart as those who choose not to use an indicator.  That said, there was a recent article in Referee Magazine about not using indicators.  They writer was pretty adamant that it's a bad idea.

[woodiemiller]

Its not about being "smart" enough. Tell me you haven't forgotten to add a ball, strike or out to your indicator? If you can forget to move or reset the numbers while using an indicator, why have one at all? Its a mental crutch. I should know as Im as mental as anybody.

[Magic]

I don't use an indicator. I just started to train myself this past summer. And I love it. But it is not for everyone. When you have 3 or 4 things happen on a play and then you have to remember the count? It can get brutal. But I have a little sequence I use, or a game I play, to remember. I am hoping to be perfect before the High School Season starts up, or I will go back to using an indicator.

[grayhawk]

Its not about being "smart" enough. Tell me you haven't forgotten to add a ball, strike or out to your indicator? If you can forget to move or reset the numbers while using an indicator, why have one at all? Its a mental crutch. I should know as Im as mental as anybody.

 

Yes, I have forgotten to add a ball, strike or out.  Why have one at all?  Because it happens so infrequently that the benefit of having it far outweighs the downside of not having it.  One less thing that I have to remember, and a simple squeeze of my fingers reminds me of the count.  I'd rather focus my mind on other aspects of the situation than play a game in my mind to ensure I still have the correct count.

 

I'm not saying YOU need to use one.  I am saying that I need to use one.

[blue23ll]

Holy guacamole guys, it's just a clicker.....

[JaxRolo]

This is really a non-subject.

Either use one or don't! Who cares??

[blue23ll]

Ok, in the recesses of my old mind I recall seeing an indicator that lit up. Am I losing what's left of my mind? Has anyone ever tried one?

[th3]

i make little hash marks in the dirt with my toe

[mjr_2013]

Guys, it's October 9th. We have a LOOONG offseason ahead of us to be ranting about indicators on October 9th.

[MadMax]

I was just about to write this out to @Thunderheads, but I'll write it out to you (@JHSump) as well...

 

First, I break down the count announcements into 2 instances that I have made a habit of: when the count equals "3" and when the count equals "5". I treat those as my goalposts. Then, I construct a sentence out of the count, with the two operative words rhyming to their counterparts. "You need dough to make a bun." (0-1) ... "That bird flew really really low." (2-0)... Each pitch is a new sentence.

 

The most critical component, though, is being deliberate in my count announcements. I don't say "Two-One" or "Twenty One" or "One and Two". I announce it in this manner, every time: "Current (Or "the") count is Two Balls (Hold up two fingers on the left hand)... One strike (hold up one finger on the right hand)." Later, when the count is full, I announce it in much the same manner: "The count has gone full. Three balls (hold up three fingers on left hand)... Two strikes (hold up two fingers on right hand)." I do not leave it as "Full count" or "Three and Two" and I certainly do not bump closed fists together above my eyes (as I've witnessed). Other umpires and baseball enthusiasts (coaches, fans, players-who-care) have noted that my deliberation introduces a much better tempo and rhythm to things. I do it mostly because it resets my memory for the next set of pitches. If I get crossed up, I just ask myself . o O ("Did I make my announcement? Yes. That last pitch was a strike, so it must be 2-2.")

 

The only time I ever have an indicator with me is when I'm working a solo game, and I have to keep track of the outs. When working with a partner, we usually (silently) indicate outs to each other off to the side and low, so there's my visual cue – obviously don't have that when working alone. Then, I use the "innings" wheel to record runs in a half-inning, as some of these 9U and 10U games can become merry-go-rounds, and the Book (if there is one) isn't paying attention. Does the score really matter? No, except if it's that much closer to a Mercy Rule, then I'm all for it.

[th3]

and you really think thats better than drawing the lines wih my toes??

[zm1283]

I was just about to write this out to @Thunderheads, but I'll write it out to you (@JHSump) as well...

 

First, I break down the count announcements into 2 instances that I have made a habit of: when the count equals "3" and when the count equals "5". I treat those as my goalposts. Then, I construct a sentence out of the count, with the two operative words rhyming to their counterparts. "You need dough to make a bun." (0-1) ... "That bird flew really really low." (2-0)... Each pitch is a new sentence.

 

The most critical component, though, is being deliberate in my count announcements. I don't say "Two-One" or "Twenty One" or "One and Two". I announce it in this manner, every time: "Current (Or "the") count is Two Balls (Hold up two fingers on the left hand)... One strike (hold up one finger on the right hand)." Later, when the count is full, I announce it in much the same manner: "The count has gone full. Three balls (hold up three fingers on left hand)... Two strikes (hold up two fingers on right hand)." I do not leave it as "Full count" or "Three and Two" and I certainly do not bump closed fists together above my eyes (as I've witnessed). Other umpires and baseball enthusiasts (coaches, fans, players-who-care) have noted that my deliberation introduces a much better tempo and rhythm to things. I do it mostly because it resets my memory for the next set of pitches. If I get crossed up, I just ask myself . o O ("Did I make my announcement? Yes. That last pitch was a strike, so it must be 2-2.")

 

The only time I ever have an indicator with me is when I'm working a solo game, and I have to keep track of the outs. When working with a partner, we usually (silently) indicate outs to each other off to the side and low, so there's my visual cue – obviously don't have that when working alone. Then, I use the "innings" wheel to record runs in a half-inning, as some of these 9U and 10U games can become merry-go-rounds, and the Book (if there is one) isn't paying attention. Does the score really matter? No, except if it's that much closer to a Mercy Rule, then I'm all for it.

 

This has to be a joke. 

 

All that just to avoid carrying in indicator?

[th3]

The branches on that TREE are really LOW  (i'm not mocking - jsut seeing if i can guess 3-0)

[docevins]

I personally use the stainless 4 dial Markwort, have for over 30 years.  Why?  Because its the very first indicator I use when I started.  I believe that most of us would have to agree.  Over the years I have tried several others, but keep coming back.  Creature of habit.

Doc Evins

[BigUmpire]

I personally use the stainless 4 dial Markwort, have for over 30 years.  Why?  Because its the very first indicator I use when I started.  I believe that most of us would have to agree.  Over the years I have tried several others, but keep coming back.  Creature of habit.

Doc Evins

Doc is right.

Use what you comfortable with.

You should rarely look at your indicator.

We tell our young guys to watch a baseball game on TV and keep the count with out looking at the indicator.

[th3]

I look at my indicator more than I should

[Richvee]

So I'm reading this yesterday, and I have a 6pm 50/70 game. I decide to give this no indicator a try and put it in my pocket. 

 

First thing I notice. I feel like I left a piece of equipment in the car. Like a hat or a shin, or shoes. Just a weird feeling to have nothing in my hand. Especially since I use the All Star paper weight. 

4 runs by the visitors, 3 by the HT, so there was plenty going on early. Caught stealing, pick offs, rundowns, etc. It was a good "test inning". I'm happy to say I didn't lose a single count. Continued without one for 3 innings. Had no problems. Inning 4 I took it out and used it the rest of the night. 

 

 I felt so much more comfortable with the indicator. Obviously I don't "need" it.  It's probably a creature of habit thing, but my mind seemed more at ease with the indicator. Without it, the count is front and center in my mind when there's other things going on that should be higher priority in my mind at the time, (If that makes sense)....and it's not like it's a bad habit, so I think I'll keep using mine. 

[MadMax]

The branches on that TREE are really LOW  (i'm not mocking - jsut seeing if i can guess 3-0)

Ah, that might be one of them, sure. It changes. Always keep it new and changing, as that helps the memory. When you stop thinking and just become routine and habitual, that's when the grey matter turns to pudding.

[th3]

i wore my blue to the zoo!

[MadMax]

i wore my blue to the zoo!

Now you're gettin' the hang of it. :)

[th3]

what did this part mean:

 

First, I break down the count announcements into 2 instances that I have made a habit of: when the count equals "3" and when the count equals "5". I treat those as my goalposts.