Chuck,
(A) It's good that you're are counting between pitches, just remember you have to use both fingers and toes for an accurate count.
(B) I show the count after every pitch and verbalize it on the odd pitches after the first pitch, i.e. on the 1-2, 2-1, 3-0 and the 3-2 count.
(C) With a little creativity and some super glue, I've discovered that you can affix the whistle right to the mask so that it's right there whenever you put your mask on. Just be careful when you take it off!
(D) Rumor has it that the decision was made in the early 1900s by a gentleman named William Ramsay who some call a man of exceptional foresight. This is just a rumor however. A futher explanation can be found
here.
(E) If you get into the habit of showing the count on every pitch as I suggested, you may find that you can get by without a clicker, but if you do feel that you need one, I highly recommend the +POS oversized version with 3 balls, 2 strikes and 2 outs. You can order one from
Honigs, the model K49.
Congratulations on your 1st game success, and welcome to the ranks of the insane.