Handling Lineup Cards

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

I wonder if anyone uses the official ASA jock strap?

Love it.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by rita c

love it.

rotflmao!!

[UMP25]

OK, so here's a question while we're on this topic--what type of writing instrument do you use with your lineup cards? I used to use a golf pencil, then one of those itty bitty bullet pencils, but after taking the suggestion/tip of one of my colleagues, I went to Staples and purchased a box of Bic red pens, the ones that are all red, solid plastic (not the see through or transparent or thick ones). I use this specific one.

Why red? Well, it makes it easier to see the changes, and because the lineup cards I get in the plate meeting have themselves been written in pencil, blue ink, black ink, green ink, etc., but rarely in red ink. Therefore, my using a red pen has helped me notice things more easily. Plus, the type of pen I use, even if hit by a pitch or foul ball (I keep the Honig's little thingie in my shirt pocket), doesn't spill or leak ink if hit by the ball, which has happened once to me.

BTW, the size of those Bic red pens I use is perfect--they're not too thick, but more importantly, they're not too long, so they just barely stick out of my shirt pocket.

This is all just my preference, but I've found it to be my best scenario out of the many I've tried over my long career.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by UMP25

BTW, the size of those Bic red pens I use is perfect--they're not too thick, but more importantly, they're not too long, so they just barely stick out of my shirt pocket.

My association UIC once asked me, "Manny, do you know why umpire shirts have pockets? It's so you know where to iron your Virginia High School League patch."

Seriously, I don't like putting anything in that pocket. I'd much rather keep my red and blue (on the off-chance that a coach hands me a line-up card in red ink) pens in my ball bag with my lineup card holder. And since the holder is too big for my shirt pocket to begin with, everything is in one place in the bag.

Also, I wouldn't want to have to deal with a huge ink splotch if I should get hit in the chest with a pitch or foul ball.

[UMP25]

That's why I use that type of pen. It's kind of a flexible, rubber like material, so when I did take a ball right to it, it didn't smash and spew ink all over.

I used to put my lineup cards in my ball bags--too cluttery. I tried my back pocket--too much of a pain in the ass taking them out and reinserting them. For the last several years, they've been fine in my shirt pocket. To each his own, of course, as this is simply my own preference.

[nopachunts]

I wear double ball bags and I keep my lineups cards in the left bag in the inside pocket toward the back. I agree with Manny A, I always afraid to put anything breakable in my shirt pocket. I too use red as it is easier to see any changes that I have made.

[nopachunts]

I don't know how it's in other parts of the country, but some coaches have discovered printers and are handing me lineups on big honking pieces of index card stock. Try folding those up and putting it in your lineup card holder.