Indicators: are the metal ones better?

[shickenbottom]

Metal or Mental????

Try going without and train your mind to not need one.

Then you can keep the same one in your pocket for years and years.

Then you don't have to look down every pitch and check and change the wheel while everyone is looking at you.

[jTheUmp]

Thank you for that completely unhelpful response.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

Thank you for that completely unhelpful response.

That was not an unhelpful response - the Shicker is trying to make you a better umpire because most people use an indicator as a crutch instead of a tool.

Yes, the metal ones are better. Make sure you don[t by one with 3 strikes, 4 balls, 3 outs and innings. You only need 2 strikes, 3 balls and 2 outs so by one of those.

And learn how not to depend on your indicator!

[jTheUmp]

I don't look at my indicator after every pitch or every play. I used to do so in my early years like I'm sure every other umpire did when starting out, but I've been relying on it less and less.

Right now, I probably look at it about once every other at-bat, or after some unusual action (wild pitch, steal with an errant throw(s), etc). 95% of the time after a 'normal' at-bat, I can reset it to 0-0 and the appropriate number of outs without looking. And yes, I'm working to further reduce the number of times I glance at my indicator.

It's not a crutch, it's a tool. Just like the lineup card is a tool... I hardly think that most umpires would suggest that I memorize the lineup and all of the substitutions/reentries/courtesy runners that take place during some of the games that they work.

For the record, I pretty much stick to the 4-wheel indicators... not because I need the innings portion, but because they feel more comfortable in my hand (and easier to update) then the 3-wheel indicators do.

[RPatrino]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

Thank you for that completely unhelpful response.

Everyone has their own opinion, take it or leave it. Hickey gave you his opinion, there is no need to flame.

[BSUmp16]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

Thank you for that completely unhelpful response.

+1

Not using an indicator doesn't make you a better ump; using an indicator properly can

[rpumpire]

It's too bad some people can't shake the notion that somehow you're a better umpire if you don't use an indicator. That's just plain ridiculous.

[RPatrino]

Originally Posted by BSUmp16

+1

Not using an indicator doesn't make you a better ump; using an indicator properly can

I don't think anyone believes that not using an indicator makes you a better umpire and that was never stated in this thread. An indicator is a tool, used properly it can make doing the job easier. Used improperly, it can cause problems.

I will say this, probably the best game I ever had was one where I forgot my indicator, and didn't realize it until I was about to put the ball in play on the first pitch. I did not once miss a count, where using an indicator that has happened to me on numerous occasions.

For the record, I use a plastic 3-2-2 indicator, big numbers model. Unless I forget it.