Ditched my indicator for good.

[David Emerling]

Personally, I can't understand why an umpire *wouldn't* use an indicator.

Why rely on your memory?

If working the indicator de-focuses you, instead of getting rid of it I'd recommend becoming more comfortable with it to the point that it's no longer a distraction.

I hardly ever look at my indicator ... EXCEPT when I can't remember the number of outs or the count which I consider pretty important.

Maybe you guys just have better memories than me.

When you screw up the count and the game participants discover that you are not using an indicator, they won't be impressed. They EXPECT you to be using one and NOT relying on your memory.

Although, I will say I do not consider this a big issue.

I would never recommend that a new/inexperienced umpire *not* use an indicator in order to help him "focus."

David Emerling
Memphis, TN