indicator

[Majordave]

Always give a verbal and visual announcement when the count is 3 balls, two balls and one strike, one ball and two strikes. And again when the count is 3 balls and two strikes.

[th3]

Always give a verbal and visual announcement when the count is 3 balls, two balls and one strike, one ball and two strikes. And again when the count is 3 balls and two strikes.

 

but then why use "You need dough to make a bun." (0-1) ...as an example? 

[MadMax]

@Majordave said it right, @th3... you only need to announce it at those times. I never got the point of an umpire announcing the count when it's 1-0.

That's an example of the mental reminder in my head... I told the guys here... I play a word game in my head. It's the way my brain works. I'm a bit mad... really... why do you think my name is Mad Max?

I don't actually announce that sentence, or any of those concocted sentences. But I do say them internally. My memory is so sharp that if you were to ask me to recall the pitch sequence of an inning I called, I could. No joke, no exaggeration. I'm working on expanding that to several innings and eventually a game.

[umpstu]

And any time that the ball becomes dead.

[grayhawk]

I give the count after every pitch except the first. Works for me and the players seem to like it.

[Big_Mac14]

I give it on 1-1, 2-0, 0-2, 2-2, 3-1, and 3-2.

To sum it up: After the 2nd, 4th, and 5th pitch! (Disregarding foul balls)

If two fall balls occur in a row after I have given the count, then I will give it again.

i.e. If I announce 2-2 as the count and batter hits two consecutive foul balls I will again annouce the count.

This may be over-doing it, but it is a habit that I have gotten used to.

Whatever interval you give the count just make sure that interval is the same each time.

[Majordave]

I give a low verbal to the batter and catcher every pitch.  The visual/loud verbal on 3rd/5th pitches as outlined earlier.  After a time out/foul ball if the situation dictates.  Not every time but most.  If there are multiple foul balls I don't give it after each one.  If there are a succession of time outs (pitcher-catcher conference followed by a pick-off move followed by an offensive conference) I may if it was a long break.  Depends on the game flow, length of time taken, etc.  And, of course, when asked by a coach or a player.  Sometimes I give visual and verbal, sometimes just a verbal in response to the question but only loud enough for those paying attention to hear.  

 

I DO NOT give loud verbal and visual towards each dugout on almost every pitch. I had a partner who did that once, very annoying. "Two balls and one strike" with a visual over his head or out in front of his chest at 3B dugout then the same at 1B dugout.  That method and a few other oddities and eccentricities he exhibited insured that he never got assigned any varsity ball.  He had been umpiring three or four years when I first started and is probably still working JV/Frosh/Middle School ball only.

[boyinr]

I lost my favorite indicator last week. It is the only thing remaining from my first year. Just a simple +POS three dial plastic model. Had a couple of spares. Time to move on. I have gone through the bag. I keep hoping it will turn up. The shape was perfect for my hand.

[midtnump]

I just use a simple Champro black plastic four wheel indicator with optic yellow and black numbers. I can always see the numbers day or night.

[Magic]

I give a low verbal to the batter and catcher every pitch. The visual/loud verbal on 3rd/5th pitches as outlined earlier. After a time out/foul ball if the situation dictates. Not every time but most. If there are multiple foul balls I don't give it after each one. If there are a succession of time outs (pitcher-catcher conference followed by a pick-off move followed by an offensive conference) I may if it was a long break. Depends on the game flow, length of time taken, etc. And, of course, when asked by a coach or a player. Sometimes I give visual and verbal, sometimes just a verbal in response to the question but only loud enough for those paying attention to hear.

I DO NOT give loud verbal and visual towards each dugout on almost every pitch. I had a partner who did that once, very annoying. "Two balls and one strike" with a visual over his head or out in front of his chest at 3B dugout then the same at 1B dugout. That method and a few other oddities and eccentricities he exhibited insured that he never got assigned any varsity ball. He had been umpiring three or four years when I first started and is probably still working JV/Frosh/Middle School ball only.

That is exactly what I do.