Timer / watch

[Dakota]

Just for fun... when you do timed games, what "equipment" do you use?

[RKBUmp]

Local ump sent me to Target in the kitchen section. They have a double timer, fairly small unit. Each timer can be set individually so it makes it nice for no new inning and drop dead games. I believe it was $11.95.

[AtlUmpSteve]

I have broken, lost, or forgotten and left on a fence way too many "timers" over the years to use that item. I have been buying inexpensive Timex, Armitron, or equivalent (in the $20 to $30 range) multifunction sports watches with countdown timers, and use them as my primary watch and timer. I keep it in my pocket, ball bag, or hang it from a belt loop (if/when championship dress isn't an issue).

I generally announce when it is that I am starting the clock, add what time is on mine, and suggest they look at their own to see what time they have. I prefer the countdown function that will beep when time is up, to a count-up timer that requires more attention from me. I also prefer not doing any math to calculate how much time is left, when asked. In any event, the combination of announcing "we're on the clock", and "I have 6:31 on my watch; you can look at your's to see what time YOU have", and answering whenever asked how much time is left, have made the fact that it isn't hanging on a fence "for all to see" (as well to help one or both teams to attempt to manipulate) a non-issue.

If there is both a "no new" time and a "drop dead" time, I set for the "drop dead", then check when necessary to see if/when we are past the "no new" time.

[Chess Ref]

I use to go with a small Timex in my ball bag...but I've gone to the dark side and now use a kitchen timer....

It just seems to save the uneeded conversations at the end of games. Now timer goes off EVERYBODY knows time has expired.....

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Just for fun... when you do timed games, what "equipment" do you use?

Mask,chest protector, cup,shin guards, indicator, brush, flip coin, lineup holder.
Oh, you mean timinq equpment.

A stop watch in my pocket (Casio "multifunction sports watch").
A display timer if the tournament or UIC provides one.
I do not synchronize time of day with anyone, just announce "timer starting now".
In most tourneys, that is shortly after the plate conference, when I have told the coaches the above.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Just for fun... when you do timed games, what "equipment" do you use?

My wrist watch, which I put in the half-pocket in my ball-bag.

Before we break from the plate conference, I tell the coaches that the time begins on the first game pitch. After the first pitch comes in and F2 is throwing it back, I look at the time and make a mental note. At the half-inning, I write it on one of the lineups for reference. I then add the time limit (i.e.: do the math) at that time while I'm waiting and write that right below the first time.

When the coach asks me how much time is left, I look at my watch and tell him. If he questions further, I can pull out the lineup and show him that I noted the time earlier.

[SRW]

Put a timer on the fence even though they are banned. I like contributing to the collection.

a$s.

[MichaelVA2000]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Just for fun... when you do timed games, what "equipment" do you use?

During tournaments where the UIC wants a timer on the fence, I use an Eagle Timer. Otherwise I use a carabiner clip watch that's worn on a belt loop. It's long enough that the watch enters the top of my front pocket.

[NM FP Ump]

I put the countdown timer on the fence, after pregame I walk over to the timer, announce we are on the clock and hit the start button. Then I ask the official book what time he has and write it on their lineup card. Covers all the bases, so far.

[Stu Clary]

None of the above. I cut the straps off of a wrist watch and velcroved it to the back of my indicator.

[Stu Clary]

BTW...

best placement of timer?

[Dutch Alex]

I also don't use any of these: I've got the official scorer to keep time...

[IRISHMAFIA]

There is no option for me.

I keep a watch in my left hip pocket and have had absolutely no problem with the math since the Kinddergarten.

[dtwsd]

Originally Posted by Stu Clary

None of the above. I cut the straps off of a wrist watch and velcroved it to the back of my indicator.

Ditto

[Dholloway1962]

I use countdown time but keep it in vibrating mode. That way I know when it is up and it feels so good when it goes off