Use of indicators

[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by jicecone

I am one of those guys that have NOT used an indicator for about 12 years. It started on a dare and it seems that once I got used to NOT using one, it was impossible to even try using it again. I'm talking about officiating all levels from LL - College and Semi-Pro. Both on the bases and behind the plate.


I thought I would throw this out for discussion during the dog days of winter. What are your experiences and prefrences? I think it would be interesting to find out.

This topic comes up from time to time and gets varried responses. To me using an indicator is either a preference "thing" or mandated by one's association. I believe some college associations do not allow the BU to use an indicator and to date I have not seen a PRO Umpire carry an indicator on the bases.

The Plate is a different story. Even the PROS with the BIG and Expensive score-Boards at their disposal use an indicator while doing the plate.

I use an indicator both at the plate and the bases, however, as TEE mentioned it's not a good idea to constantly look down at the indicator. I've got used to it so it's not a distraction.

In the scheme of things I don't think it's that big of deal whether one carries an indicator on the bases or not unless mandated by a particular association.

I do experiment each year with different parts of my game in order to improve and also find a "comfort" zone and one of these years at least in pre-season I will try doing the bases with no indicator and see what happens, however, as mentioned IMO there are other more important aspects of umpiring in which to work on and carrying an indicator or not is a "low" priority.

Pete Booth