Worked the Plate without an Indicator today.

[JRutledge]

Tim,

If you just do a search of this website you will find that many of our discussions are surrounded about the use or none use of an indicator. I am going to assume that Nick posted this story because of the constant pressure of many here to "prove something" by not using an indicator. After he tells this story the very first comment in response was and I quote, “Get rid of that crutch.” Now how is an indicator a crutch? I have worked with a lot of umpires and I never thought their strike zone was any better with or without an indicator. Now tell me Tim in your knowledgeable way, “What is the big deal?” I found Nick’s story interesting, but why are we so obsessed over whether someone uses a tool that helps them in a small way? I have worked with a lot of umpires that will not move from behind home plate, so why should any of us care if an umpire does all the proper mechanics but uses an indicator? If you look just at the bottom of this thread, you will see just a sample of the debates or threads dedicated to indicators. Now if that is what you want to discuss it is your right to do so. I just want to know why we are so concerned with something that is after all a personal decision and is not going to affect the way you umpire. Tim, I got ripped one time because I used a certain kind of indicator over another type of indicator. Nothing was said about my uniform or the way I looked, but someone saw a picture and commented on my indicator. Why are so many people obsessed with a piece of plastic?

Now are you going to answer the question or are you going to debate why I ask the question and how offended you were by the question? You know if you were so offended you could have just passed the thread up. I do not recall I asked you anything directly Tim at the beginning of this thread.

If it makes you feel any better, he is another listed at the bottom called "Ditched my indicator for good." I actually know the person who started the thread. We have worked together as well.

Peace