No Indicator Help

[Velho]

Been working sans indicator this fall ball season. It's been going pretty well but one issue I'm struggling with* is the count after mid at bat chaos (passed ball, R3 scores, overthrow to get R2 at 3B, LF guns R2 at home) followed by "where the hell were we on the count"? Any advice?

* This can happen with an indicator of course

[noumpere]

33 minutes ago, Velho said:

Any advice?

On the plate?  Use an indicator.

 

On the base3s?  use your fingers -- I just touched my thumb to the index / middle / ring finger on each hand to indicate the count.  And, say it to yourself before each pitch.  That will help you remember.  If that still doesn't work, use an indicator -- it's not really as bad as some think, if you use it correctly and don't stare at it before each pitch.

[Kevin_K]

I often say the count so only F2 and BR can hear it. That has helped me track the count since I ditched an indicator many years ago. It isn't foolproof. No system is. Even those who use indicators and have professional scoreboard operators lose the count on occasion.

 

[Biscuit]

1 hour ago, noumpere said:

On the plate?  Use an indicator.

 

On the base3s?  use your fingers -- I just touched my thumb to the index / middle / ring finger on each hand to indicate the count.  And, say it to yourself before each pitch.  That will help you remember.  If that still doesn't work, use an indicator -- it's not really as bad as some think, if you use it correctly and don't stare at it before each pitch.

Or, if that doesn't work, wait for your partner on the plate (who does have an indicator) to give the count. It's probably something I should work on, but I basically never know the count on the bases... It hasn't screwed me up yet. If I have a scorboard I'll peak it occasionally. 

[Velho]

Thank all. I have been using finger touch on bases and plate (and will keep doing it on bases indefinitely).

At plate, I like the freedom (not the best word but hopefully it gets the point across) but yesterday no scoreboard, wreck ball 9s, and me having a bad game (that no one else seems to have noticed) has me seriously rethinking going back to an indicator at the plate.

Note: I recognize this is not that big a deal. Just something I was playing with.

[grayhawk]

I would be so screwed without my All Star indiclicker. Not just for the count, but I use the notches, almost subconsciously, to verify the count or the outs during plays. It's definitely my security blanket out there.

[Biscuit]

7 hours ago, grayhawk said:

I would be so screwed without my All Star indiclicker. Not just for the count, but I use the notches, almost subconsciously, to verify the count or the outs during plays. It's definitely my security blanket out there.

This for sure. If you don't like looking at your indicator, get an All-Star and spend the 15 minutes it takes to learn the grooves well. You will NEVER go back.

[Richvee]

8 hours ago, grayhawk said:

It's definitely my security blanket out there

So true. Also, maybe because of the weight, if I don't have it on the plate, I feel like I'm missing a piece of equipment. 

[Velho]

22 minutes ago, Richvee said:

maybe because of the weight, if I don't have it on the plate, I feel like I'm missing a piece of equipment. 

That "footloose and fancy free" feeling is what I've enjoyed.

[Velho]

1 hour ago, Biscuit said:

If you don't like looking at your indicator, get an All-Star and spend the 15 minutes it takes to learn the grooves well. You will NEVER go back.

I have it and have spent the time with it. It didn't "click" with me yet but that's the indicator I'll use as I go back. Maybe altering it as needed will get me there.

[grayhawk]

9 hours ago, Velho said:

I have it and have spent the time with it. It didn't "click" with me yet but that's the indicator I'll use as I go back. Maybe altering it as needed will get me there.

Pro tip: paint the numbers in a fluorescent yellow. It makes them easier to see (and yes, we DO need to actually look at the indicator once in a while). 

[834k3r]

10 hours ago, Velho said:

That "footloose and fancy free" feeling is what I've enjoyed.

Just as long as you don't go commando while you're behind the plate. 😳

To all the AS indictator fans like me--everything mentioned above I agree with. It was possibly the best piece of equipment I've bought.

[Velho]

1 hour ago, grayhawk said:

Pro tip: paint the numbers in a fluorescent yellow. It makes them easier to see (and yes, we DO need to actually look at the indicator once in a while). 

Good call. Thanks.

My issue has been not grokking the "braille". Something about how I hold and roll the wheels possibly. As I go back to it I'll think about notching it.

[Scissors]

This is the best indicator I've used. Notched Mizuno. Lightweight and not slippery. Notches mean I basically never look at it, but if I do, I hold it in my hand while pretending to adjust my mask so I don't take my eyes off the field

[834k3r]

9 minutes ago, Scissors said:

This is the best indicator I've used. Notched Mizuno. Lightweight and not slippery. Notches mean I basically never look at it, but if I do, I hold it in my hand while pretending to adjust my mask so I don't take my eyes off the field

I'm glad I'm not the only one...though I "peek" far less often with my AS than I did with any of my previous indicators.

However...I may have to get one of the Mizuno indicators as a back up. Because I'm a Collector Of Gear at heart.

[Biscuit]

7 hours ago, grayhawk said:

Pro tip: paint the numbers in a fluorescent yellow. It makes them easier to see (and yes, we DO need to actually look at the indicator once in a while). 

Why? I will literally go multiple games in a row without ever looking at my indicator while in the field. I don't keep track of innings on my indicator, and just by feel, I know exactly the state of the other three wheels

[grayhawk]

27 minutes ago, Biscuit said:

Why? I will literally go multiple games in a row without ever looking at my indicator while in the field. I don't keep track of innings on my indicator, and just by feel, I know exactly the state of the other three wheels

I don't bring an indicator on the bases (if that's what you meant about "while in the field"). There are times the wheel gets moved in between numbers and I have to look at it to make sure it's on the right one. There are other times I will glance at it as well and the yellow helps the numbers stand out better at night.

[The Man in Blue]

Just trying to make sure we are on the same page . . . we are talking about this one:

 

There is no need to paint any dials, as you never need to look at it.  I enjoy handing it to a coach (or a player) and having them "program" in a count . . . and then watching them be amazed when I give them the count without looking.  (Buys you a bunch of credibility points, too!)

I admit, it took me a little bit, but now that I have the system down, I NEVER look at it.  Normal grooves are 0.  One point is 1.  2 balls is a little weird, but I "feel" it as "1 pointing down" so I learned it.  "Rough" is "danger" (2 strikes and/or 3 balls).

The weight took a little getting used to, but like @Richvee, if I don't feel that heft, I am missing a major piece of my gear.  Light indi-click-a-cators no longer feel right.

[Biscuit]

9 hours ago, grayhawk said:

I don't bring an indicator on the bases (if that's what you meant about "while in the field"). There are times the wheel gets moved in between numbers and I have to look at it to make sure it's on the right one. There are other times I will glance at it as well and the yellow helps the numbers stand out better at night.

Ah, not sure why I said in the field (as I also don't carry an indicator on the bases). In the case of it being in-between, I just flip it to the next number, and if needs be, I will rotate it two or three time (depending on which wheel it is) to get it to where it needs to be. No looking necessary. I honestly can't think of a single reason I would need to look at an all star.

[834k3r]

15 hours ago, The Man in Blue said:

There is no need to paint any dials, as you never need to look at it.  I enjoy handing it to a coach (or a player) and having them "program" in a count . . . and then watching them be amazed when I give them the count without looking.  (Buys you a bunch of credibility points, too!)

I admit, it took me a little bit, but now that I have the system down, I NEVER look at it.  Normal grooves are 0.  One point is 1.  2 balls is a little weird, but I "feel" it as "1 pointing down" so I learned it.  "Rough" is "danger" (2 strikes and/or 3 balls).

The weight took a little getting used to, but like @Richvee, if I don't feel that heft, I am missing a major piece of my gear.  Light indi-click-a-cators no longer feel right.

I can't tell you specifically the situation in which I peeked at my AS indicator, I just know I have--about 1 or 2 peeks per season.

[BLWizzRanger]

On 10/22/2024 at 7:04 PM, The Man in Blue said:

Just trying to make sure we are on the same page . . . we are talking about this one:

 

There is no need to paint any dials, as you never need to look at it.  I enjoy handing it to a coach (or a player) and having them "program" in a count . . . and then watching them be amazed when I give them the count without looking.  (Buys you a bunch of credibility points, too!)

I admit, it took me a little bit, but now that I have the system down, I NEVER look at it.  Normal grooves are 0.  One point is 1.  2 balls is a little weird, but I "feel" it as "1 pointing down" so I learned it.  "Rough" is "danger" (2 strikes and/or 3 balls).

The weight took a little getting used to, but like @Richvee, if I don't feel that heft, I am missing a major piece of my gear.  Light indi-click-a-cators no longer feel right.

Ok, so this is mine as well.  I painted the front of it black to reduce the glare. I have trouble seeing the numbers under lights - so I still have a noticeable stare as I tilt the indicator back and forth to get the light right. Otherwise, yes, I still peek at it sometimes, mostly, right as the pitcher toes the rubber.  Never peeking instantly after the pitch. I don't need to look at it when I turn the wheels one click. But here is the thing, I don't have the feeling in my finger tips to discern the notches.  Maybe I will try to learn it this winter or get my dremel out and make it more noticeable but its not a high priority.  Also, I really don't notice when other umpires look at their indicators unless they stare at like they have an adult picture of their spouse/neighbor/nanny.

I guess what I am trying to say is that sneaking a peek wont make an ump weak.  Leering is not endearing and has the coaches' fearing.