Indicators: are the metal ones better?

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

I seem to be hard on indicators... I find that the clicking mechanism seems to wear out on me rapidly. I've gone through 2 of them this season so far, over the course of about 40 games.

Not a huge deal, since they only cost a $5-6 apiece, I can afford to replace them often, but I'm wondering if they metal ones will last longer then the plastic ones that I've been buying so far (I haven't yet found a local shop that sells the metal ones, but I can get plastic ones from any number of places).

So, what have your experiences been? Are the metal indicators worth the price?

I've had one metal indicator for years. I only bought a new one because the wheels had worn smooth.

Don't worry about the mental superiority complex of the others. For me it is a tool to allow me to focus on other aspects of the game. We all have different gifts of the mind. Some can hold the count in their head. I am not one of those and prefer to keep the count on an indicator.

I have the wheels notched and flattened so that I can read the count with my fingers.

Rita

[REFANDUMP]

I have a metal indicator that I've used for years. Definitely prefer it over the plastic ones.

[celebur]

I find the metal indicator is more durable and that it fits more comfortable in my hand because it's thinner. But its plastic wheels will still wear and are susceptible to things that may eat plasitc (like mosquito repellent. Also, the metal surface is reflective, so be aware of the angle to the sun when you glance at it, or you may get blinded for a bit. Come to think of it, that reflectivity may be a good thing because it will help train officials to only glance briefly when they do glance at all.

[RadioBlue]

I'm old school and still use the 3-wheeled 3-4-3 plastic indicator. (However, I always suggest to newbies they use the 2-3-2 if they ask.) I have a dozen of them and I permanently keep at least one in each ball bag. It's come in handy, at times, if one breaks or my partner needs one. Plus, I keep several in a small pocket in my gear bag.
I, also, use it as a tool and can change it and reset it without looking. I do not buy into the line of thinking that "not using an indicator makes you a better umpire." (Sorry, Ozzy.) I agree that the possibility is there that it could potentially keep your head in the game more if you don't use one, but the more troublesome outcome is you lose the count. I'd rather have the count correct and avoid trouble than attempt to boost my ego by attempting to keep the count in my head.

[zm1283]

I realize this is slightly off topic, but.....

An even worse thing is when base umpires are carrying indicators in state tournament finals and staring at them after every pitch. Saw that one last week.

Some of the same guys had brushes and cleaned off the pitcher's plate and the bases between innings and gave an "out" mechanic for EVERY fly ball caught during the game.

[mrm21711]

Originally Posted by zm1283

Some of the same guys had brushes and cleaned off the pitcher's plate and the bases between innings and gave an "out" mechanic for EVERY fly ball caught during the game.

This is par for the course in my neck of the woods....sigh

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by RadioBlue

I agree that the possibility is there that it could potentially keep your head in the game more if you don't use one, but the more troublesome outcome is you lose the count. I'd rather have the count correct and avoid trouble than attempt to boost my ego by attempting to keep the count in my head.

Sorry RadioBlue, if you forget the count mentally or forget to move the wheel, either way you have an error. I used to carry one and got so good that I only had to look at it occasionally. A friend of mine challenged me to not use one and I found out I made less errors than using one at all. So I switch about 20 yrs ago.

What works for you and others is totally your business. I am also aware that some Associations and Leagues require it use. Over the years though, I have generally found 3 reasons that some insist on its use.

1. Tradition. (Sometimes called stubbornness to change)
2. Perception. (Some people just can't imagine others having this ability).
3. Inability. (Some people just don't have this ability).

As with so many other officiating qualities, how you get the calls correct is up to you. Just get them correct the best you can.

[RadioBlue]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Sorry RadioBlue, if you forget the count mentally or forget to move the wheel, either way you have an error. I used to carry one and got so good that I only had to look at it occasionally. A friend of mine challenged me to not use one and I found out I made less errors than using one at all. So I switch about 20 yrs ago.

What works for you and others is totally your business. I am also aware that some Associations and Leagues require it use. Over the years though, I have generally found 3 reasons that some insist on its use.

1. Tradition. (Sometimes called stubbornness to change)
2. Perception. (Some people just can't imagine others having this ability).
3. Inability. (Some people just don't have this ability).

As with so many other officiating qualities, how you get the calls correct is up to you. Just get them correct the best you can.

J: Good points. If you use your brain or an indicator as your tool to keep track of the count and you use either improperly, you're in trouble. I have no issue with umpires who are able not using an indicator. I've just seen some who don't use them give other who do crap for doing so. I don't think that's very productive and could put an umpire in a bad spot trying to "impress" or "look cool." "To each their own" is fine by me, but some guys need to lay off those who use them. There is the belief among some who think those who use indicators are somehow inferior.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by RadioBlue

I have a dozen of them and I permanently keep at least one in each ball bag. It's come in handy, at times, if one breaks or my partner needs one.

So you're (1) giving your base umpire a spare one, and/or (2) wearing a ball bag on the bases.

[RadioBlue]

Originally Posted by yawetag

So you're (1) giving your base umpire a spare one, and/or (2) wearing a ball bag on the bases.

C'mon, Andrew! I'm not wearing a ball bag on the bases ... I'm wearing TWO!

(My last name is Smith. Does that make me a Smitty?)

[jchamp]

Originally Posted by Rita C

I have the wheels notched and flattened so that I can read the count with my fingers.

Rita

I am fascinated by your idea and would like to subscribe to your newsletter!

Now, where's my dremel tool?

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by jchamp

I am fascinated by your idea and would like to subscribe to your newsletter!

Now, where's my dremel tool?

Excuse me? What?

[LMan]

Funny thing and maybe its just me, but the heavier weight of the metal indicators causes me to drop them accidentally more often than the plastic kind. I like their feel much better, but I definitely have to keep a better grip on them.