best placement of timer?

[shipwreck]

The board is a little slow so I will bring this up. It seems my timer that I hang on the fence, is always getting smashed from a foul ball or an errant throw. Where, have you found is the best place to hang your timer? I want to leave it in the open so a coach can look at it. Dave

[whiskers_ump]

Dave,

Not being smart here, but best place is in your pocket or ball bag. I have not seen a
coach yet that was not aware of the time. They all have timers, indicators...When they
ask, retrieve the timer and tell them. A lot of the complexes I work have the clock
on the score board. So nothing is hidden and you don't hear that "Blue, you shorted us
on the clock." I always remind them that there is only one clock on the field that
counts and that is mine. (unless scoreboard clock is utilized)

[bluezebra]

I hope you're referring to a watch/clock, and NOT a person.

Bob

[shipwreck]

I must need to invest a little more money in my timer. The last two different kinds that I had reset very, very, easily and could not be placed in my pocket or bag for fear that my games may last 2 minutes or 3 hours depending on which time it reset to. Dave

[azbigdawg]

Hook it high on the home side fence...never had one hit yet..

[Skahtboi]

I use a cheap watch that I bought at the Mega Low Mart that has a timer function. It is attached to the right temple guard of my face mask. That way, it is always handy and is well protected.

[CecilOne]

use one provided by the tournament and don't worry about it. As to expense, my $20 watch with a stop watch feature works fine in my hip pocket (and every where else, comedians).

[Rick Vietti]

I picked up a trick from another umpire. I bought a small watch with a countdown timer. I cut off the watch straps and attached it to the back of my indicator with velcro. I use a metal indicator, the 4 wheel type.

This has worked great because I have a watch and timer in the palm of my hand.

I use a kitchen timer that clips onto the fence, which I usually put directly behind home plate. Here in Omaha, for league play, we are required to have a visible timepiece set in a place where it can be viewed by coaches and umpires.

[Dakota]

Originally posted by shipwreck
The last two different kinds that I had reset very, very, easily and could not be placed in my pocket or bag for fear that my games may last 2 minutes or 3 hours depending on which time it reset to. Dave

Try the Sportline Alpha 461 Dualsplit. Here is a pic:


Notice the buttons are the yellow things in the upper left & right corners. They are flush with the body of the timer and require some effort to push. In two years, I have never had this timer accidentally reset in my pocket or bag. A little pricey (~$30 as I recall), but worth it IMO. Rugged - has taked a couple of wacks from foul "tips" while in my pocket.

[Edited by Dakota on Aug 5th, 2005 at 10:34 AM]