What's the count?

[mstaylor]

For guys that want to use one in either position, notch the wheels so you never have to look at it. It braile for an umpire, he feels the wheel and it tells him what the count is.

[SnareDrum]

For guys that want to use one in either position, notch the wheels so you never have to look at it. It braile for an umpire, he feels the wheel and it tells him what the count is.

Well said. Notching is the key. Also, getting a "balls first" indicator that stops at 3-2 2 out is a bonus. Seeing the strikes first (WHY?!) and clicking through the third strike, fourth ball, and third out is just unnecessary IMHO. But if that's what you like, cool. But DO notch it.

[yawetag]

For guys that want to use one in either position, notch the wheels so you never have to look at it. It braile for an umpire, he feels the wheel and it tells him what the count is.

Mike, I've seen notches on the zero, but can't find anything on how people notch it for the other numbers. Got any pictures or explanations? I've wanted to do it, but didn't want to ruin my favorite indicator.

[TXUmp77]

Yeah whats notching? i thought id heard of everything

[Mike Prince]

I notched one last year,easy to do with a small file or a Dremel tool (what I used). I originally notched mine at the zeros, then messed it up by trying to re-notch every position. I find the zero notches to be the most effective, then you aren't looking down making multiple clicks to reset the indicator and inadvertently taking your eyes off of the ball or a play.I notched another indicator and did the zero positions with one notch and 3 balls and 2 strikes with 2 notches. This doesn't eliminate looking at it, but it sure reduces it a lot.

[mstaylor]

Use one that doesn't have ballfour or strike three, then put a small notch at each position. Keep them as close to center of each position so the don't interfere. One for ball one, two for ball etc. Put nothing on the zero. Then all you have to do is feel with your thumb and it will tell you without looking.

[gdpmumin]

Also, getting a "balls first" indicator that stops at 3-2 2 out is a bonus.

Suggestions on specific indicators for this? I like the one I have (Diamond chrome) because it doesn't feel cheap like the plastic ones. It's a 3-2-2 (good) but it shows strikes first (bad). All the ones I've seen (or paid attention to, I guess) were strike first indicators.

[mstaylor]

The one that Honig sells is a good one, balls on top, strikes below it and outs on the bottom. The K43 works, the K49 is what I have. Ump-attire has the PI3B whichlooks the same.

K43 PI3B

[JaxRolo]

The one that Honig sells is a good one, balls on top, strikes below it and outs on the bottom.

K43

The K49 is a balls first indicator

Ump-attire has a couple of balls first indicators

[SnareDrum]

Also, getting a "balls first" indicator that stops at 3-2 2 out is a bonus.

Suggestions on specific indicators for this? I like the one I have (Diamond chrome) because it doesn't feel cheap like the plastic ones. It's a 3-2-2 (good) but it shows strikes first (bad). All the ones I've seen (or paid attention to, I guess) were strike first indicators.

I had to go cheap, plastic and fast this year and found one on Ump-Attire as I was buying my shirts. Balls first & resets at 3-2-2... Balls/Strikes are side by side on the top and the dials are in that green "day-glo", but I'm getting used to it. I notched only the 0's for now but I may try adding more notches. When I need a peek, B & S are right there like a mini-scoreboard so I don't even have to open my palm or move my fingers hardly at all. I thought, "COOL! Balls first! COOLER! 3-2-2! I'll give it try." After using it for a while, I kinda' like it.

Again, not the highest quality, but for now it works for me.

[Ump Rube]

The problem with a BU with an indicator is if he tells the runner the count (such as 3-2) and now there is an issue with him running on the pitch. (Yes, lets skip the conf. with the coach about his running needing to pat attention and move on).

What I would be looking for if I were the PU is when I ask my BU I say, "I have 1-2, do you have anything different?" Then I should get a, "Nope." or "1-2 sounds like what I have." Basically, if the BU doesn't know he says what his partner has. Then we move on.

[archangel]

The problem with a BU with an indicator is if he tells the runner the count (such as 3-2) and now there is an issue with him running on the pitch. (Yes, lets skip the conf. with the coach about his running needing to pat attention and move on).

What I would be looking for if I were the PU is when I ask my BU I say, "I have 1-2, do you have anything different?" Then I should get a, "Nope." or "1-2 sounds like what I have." Basically, if the BU doesn't know he says what his partner has. Then we move on.

The problem you describe is the BU having the wrong count, NOT because he's carrying an indicator, but because he lost the count/not paying attention.

It's everyone's personal choice, but what are the better odds of knowing the count--with or without one?

Are you verbally asking, "I have 1-2, do you have anything different?" to the BU with NO indicator, when all can hear? You are telling everyone that you are unsure...If you have a private conversation, then that just slows the game down.

In this area, if needed, the PU twirls his pointing fingers sideways around each other.... the BU signals back with fingers on his chest--both signals are not real obvious and are quick.....

[Mike Prince]

I use the Champro balls-first 3-2-2 indicator that Ump-Attire sells, no real issues and I like them for plate work. In a HS game earlier this season I almost missed a snap throw pickoff as I was getting into position and while I was not looking at my indicator, I was resetting it at the time of the play. Plus, when I got evaluated a game later the evaluator strongly discouraged use of indicators on the bases saying he felt they were a crutch for lack of proper focus on the game. Since those two events I have gone to using only used my god-given indicators (my fingers and my brain) on the bases simply to remove one variable from the equation. I don't necessarily miss carrying it and have been able to give the proper count to players and coaches every time I have been asked.

[mstaylor]

And your evauluator is full of crap. It isn't unprofessional and it isn't a crutch. Improperly using it in either is a problem. Some guys get a hair up their butt sideways about base umpires using indicators. I have said this many times, use it if you want, don't if don't want to and leave other guys alone about it. Now if you have someone watching TV on their indicator then training is in order. To be honest, I use one in both positions, I have never notched it but almost never look at it. I tell my guys do what works for them.

[Mike Prince]

I don't disagree with your comment about my evaluator being full of it, he had several things for me after that game and while I agreed wirh several points he made, I disagreed with more things, especially where I felt he was being nit-picky. In any case I only mentioned him as illustration for my post. I've gotten used to being indicator-less on the bases and like it, but I could easily transition back to it if my association mandated it or I felt it would help me as BU. As you say to each their own, whatever works for you is the most important thing.

[mstaylor]

When an evaulator does a critique, he needs to concentrate on the things that will make you a better umpire or make you look better. He should ding you if your uniform looks like crap. Other than that he needs to look at your mechanics, concentration, coverages, judgement and timing. Things like indicators, two ball bags, four seam hats over six or eight and other meaningless stuff needs to stay out of his evaul. These are his personal preferences that may or may not work for you.