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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 12:57pm
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I haven't used an indicator on the field for a long time. During the fallball season I decided to experiment going without an indicator behind the plate. I found that:
1. My focus on the game improved. 2. Never a reason to take your eyes off the field and I focused more on the pitcher for balks etc. 3. Lost the count on only a few occaisions. And when I did I was able to figure out what it should be and found that I could more easily remember the sequence of pitches without rather than with the indicator. Works for me and I recommend that you give it a try. 
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 01:08pm
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 01:39pm
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Many MLB umps still use an indicator; for whatever the reason. MiLB are "required" to use one. (I'm talking about PU only; except for little kids, I don't know why anyone would want to use one in the field.)
Several camps teach to verbalize the count after each pitch and to show the count on the fingers for all of the "odd" counts. That way, your partner and you have an idea on what the count should be. It's especially important when there's a scoreboard involved; and the scorekeeper has it incorrect. Jerry
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 01:44pm
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Good for you! Add one person to the good side of the force.
I agree that not having the indiclickapacifier increases your focus on the game in just the ways you mentioned.
__________________
"Many baseball fans look upon an umpire as a sort of necessary evil to the luxury of baseball, like the odor that follows an automobile." - Hall of Fame Pitcher Christy Mathewson
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 01:50pm
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I tried using an indicator in the field the first couple of times I worked the bases. It felt odd, and interfered with a smooth looking safe call, so I ditched it. I have never used one working the bases since.
__________________
Matthew 15:14, 1 Corinthians 1:23-25
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 02:02pm
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As long as some umpires persist in wearing a ball bag on the field, brushing off the bases and the pitcher's plate, and letting everyone on the field know what the count is . . . there will be jobs aplenty for the employees of Wang Chung. Everybody have fun tonight!
Jerry
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 02:47pm
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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
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 08:08pm
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I can't buy that not using this simple piece of equipment is going to drastically increase one's focus. I'd be very unfocused if I was trying to replay 5-6 pitches in my head to regain the lost count.
I use an indicator, but rarely look down at it. I cut notches in the wheels for balls/strikes, so that I can read the count with thumb and index finger. For me, having the count on my fingertips allows me freedom to focus on other matters. If going without a net works for you, great. But I don't think that going without using this simple piece of equipment needs to be encouraged.
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 08:38pm
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As a non-user, all I ask is that you try it. I did, and haven't been able to use one for 13 years, since. When you don't use the indaclickercounter, you tend to concentrate more on what the count is, because mentally you know that you don't have any backup to rely on. And so you become more focused in that respect. I found that, I can actually tell someone how the count was arrived at, which is far better than showing them that little crutch in your hand. You already stated that you don't look at it much to begin with. Either way is fine, just my opinion.
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 08:38pm
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David, is that "indiclicker" in the cone? If so, better have a spare.....(wink).
BP
__________________
Bob P. ----------------------- We are stewards of baseball. Our customers aren't schools or coaches or conferences. Our customer is the game itself.
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 09:05pm
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In the instances when I have forgotten my indicator, I have never had a problem remembering the count. Sometimes when I do have my indicator, on the other hand . . .
I'm ready to give life with no indicator a try.
__________________
greymule More whiskey—and fresh horses for my men! Roll Tide!
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 09:14pm
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Or, perhaps I'm just in the early stages of Alzheimers. David Emerling Memphis, TN
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 09:20pm
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I have stopped using one on bases. I will not stop using one on the plate. My left hand is pretty well trained at keeping track, and I don't look at it very often. But sometimes I need to know so I will look. It never fails me.
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Thu Oct 27, 2005, 10:41pm
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On the bases, I'm about 50/50. My decision to use it or not has much to do with what I know about the PU. If he's a sharp guy, I'll probably dispense with it altogether ... especially if there is a scoreboard at the park that seems to be competently operated. If I use it, oftentimes I'll just use it to keep track of outs and won't bother with the balls & strikes. David Emerling Memphis, TN
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