Huh? Good umpires don't need to carry indicators on the bases; they know the count without one. Balls and strikes are the responsiblity of the plate umpire. Trying to watch one's indicator when one should be doing base umpire duties is not a way to keep one focused.

Why even turn the dials? This is something the plate umpire should do. After all, it's his responsibility. Good communication--often subtle--by both umpires eliminates the need to do all this unnecessary stuff.

I used an indicator on the bases for a couple of games when I first started out. I didn't care for the way it felt in the set position or when making a safe call, so I ditched it.

In my association, it is optional for the base umpire to use one, but in many groups it is required of both umpires to use an indicator, regardless of their skill level.

It's better to look to your partner when you've lost the count than it is to have to ask a scorekeeper. That is unless, of course, you've never lost the count.


Tim.

I've never asked a scorekeeper or anyone else for that matter. If I want the count because I forgot it, which rarely happens I have to admit, there is a very subtle signal I use (if it can even be called a signal).

I can tell you that when I'm working the plate, my partners NEVER forget the count. From the second pitch on, I'm a plate umpire who gives the count on every pitch. I've done it for almost all of my 28-year career, and my crewmates seem to appreciate it.

Of course it's better to have everything.

You are asking for a minimum, no?

Mask, chest protector, shin guards, plate shoes = find them second hand. Who wants the pain in the butt of re-selling. That's just silly. You'll still be able to re-sell the used stuff if you are so inclined.

Buy your cup new. Undergarments, hats, and some sort of performance leg wear you'd probably prefer to be new, as well. The performance leg wear can be long underwear and a cup and jock or athletic tights with their own cup pocket. Keeps sweaty legs off your shin guards (you will appreciate that tip).

Uniforms and jackets...depends on the condition. I've always bought new but I've sold stuff that's starting to wear. If you hustle at the JV and lower levels, you can get away with some weathered stuff.

At the rookie level, you will (should) not be judged, pro or con, for using an indicator on the bases. Just work on not checking it too much.

Brush, pencil, ball bag, and belt wrap up your list. Do not break the bank. If you stick with it you can get new stuff next December.

D

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BigUmp56

Quote:

It's better to look to your partner when you've lost the count than it is to have to ask a scorekeeper. That is unless, of course, you've never lost the count. Tim.

What's that got to do with the question? I don't carry one, but you can still come to me for the count. When I get so feeble I can't remember three numbers, I'll quit.

[Edited by GarthB on Dec 20th, 2005 at 07:24 PM]

PWL,

I'm just asking, don't get all bent...How many years that you have "been around a ballfield" were spent umpiring, and how many as a player?

For years, the American League mechanic was to give the count after every pitch, and I have seen many that do it as well.

Personally, I usually give it at 2-1, 2-2, 0-2, 1-2, 3-0, 3-2, and whenever requested. Many fields do not have a scoreboard, but I would never rely on the scoreboard anyway, as they often display incorrect information. Players, coaches, and fans all appreciate an umpire who verbally gives the count, even if there's a scoreboard.

One more question: How does giving the count between pitches slow down the game?

My comment was not an answer to a question. It was a response to the comment that was made saying the count was the sole responsibility of the PU. Although the PU is responsible for all calls made on the batter, the count should be a shared responsibility amongst the crew just in case the count is lost by the PU.

I'm not presumptuous enough to believe that having two umpires with indicators is a bad thing. Then again, my ego is not nearly as big as others appear to be.

Tim(The LL one)

I started last year and the advice i got was to get the best equipment possible since if you buy some garbage equipment, you will end up replacing it in a year. Here's what i got for the important stuff:

Mask: Wilson dyna-lite
Chest Protector: Wilson MLU
Shin guards: Wilson leg guards
Plate Shoes: Tanel 360


Here's a brochure from the official supplier of Pennsylvania (.pdf format). You can order by mail, call, or email your order since i dont think you'll be able to stop in the store. Baseball starts on pg 16 and they have a great discount for starter packages.

http://www.piaa.org/Officials/POSmer...06Brochure.pdf

Let's get off the indicator and back to the questions at hand.

At a minimum; a mask (any mask), chest protector(any protector), shirt, some cheap pants with baggy legs from WalMart, combo hat, ball bag, black athletic looking shoes, indicator, and a pencil.

You probably will not be injured severely in 3-4 weeks with no shinguards, or a cup, a cheap mask and a cheap protector, although I don't recommend.

Buy cheap if you only want to last 3-4 weeks. Buy good stuff if you want to last longer.

Mmmmm,
 

WOW, what an intense question:

U Guys are Phunni!

1) I maybe condesending, arrogant and judgemental. I am not cynical. Learn the English language and then criticize.

2) I give the count verbally after EVERY pitch (fuk, a catcher that has a problem with that) and I give it to the group after every other pitch.

3) What a "bunch of crap" we talk about in the off season.

4) I cannot believe (let me rephrase that, "I am not surprised at all that PWL feels this is an issue") you guys talk about this $hit.

Why don't all umpires simply do what is acceptable in their area?

Big Dogs Rule (we can talk about regional politics any time), and if you don't believe that, "congrats on your JV schedule!"

And I love UMPIRES that say, "I like working JV games" . . . what a bunch of losers . . . if you don't want to work the "biggest game in town" then get out of the business.

Tee

No, that's NOT what I do. I've NEVER had anyone complain about me giving the count as frequently as I do. I'm known for working very well with catchers, and not one has ever said a word about that or anything close to it. Furthermore, I have far fewer coaches and other persons ask me what the count is simply because I give it so often.

Re: Mmmmm,
 

Ah, an umpire after my own heart. :D

I don't doubt that I'd enjoy working with ya, Tee. :)

Personally, I was always taught to give the count on the third and fifth pitch, after long delays, and when asked. The lower the level that you work the more that you have to adjust this. At the pro level they have multi-million dollar systems to give you every bit of information that you could ever possible want, but at the local ball park you are often luck to have a score board and some sober person to run it. Adjust the practices to fit the level of ball that you call. When in Rome..

Brian