Hey Ump are you blind?

[Rachel]

I know several DI CWS and regional umpires that do not use an indicator. They say it forces them to maintain focus.

I know that I could not do that yet. But I try to not look at my indicator much.

[wadeintothem]

I dont think I have the mental power for that. I have a hard enough time remembering if I clicked my clicker if something happens between pitches.. let alone remember what the count was before what happened happened. Might be OK at some top level where they track it on the score board and there are 3-4 umpires... but even then I'd have trouble probably.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Rachel

I know several DI CWS and regional umpires that do not use an indicator. They say it forces them to maintain focus.

I know that I could not do that yet. But I try to not look at my indicator much.

With all due respect to your colleagues, if an umpire reaches that level, you would think they could maintain focus in a game even with an indicator in their hand.

I have tried going without an indicator. I found that I was concentrating so hard to keep the count, I was not paying attention to other detail which were normally second nature. I went back to the indicator halfway through the game.

An indicator is a tool of the trade and I can see no reason an umpire shouldn't use every available tool to which they have access.

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

With all due respect to your colleagues, if an umpire reaches that level, you would think they could maintain focus in a game even with an indicator in their hand.

I have tried going without an indicator. I found that I was concentrating so hard to keep the count, I was not paying attention to other detail which were normally second nature. I went back to the indicator halfway through the game.

An indicator is a tool of the trade and I can see no reason an umpire shouldn't use every available tool to which they have access.

I agree. I have gone games without using an indicator, and found much the same. I use one and seldom find the need to check it.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Rachel

I know several DI CWS and regional umpires that do not use an indicator. They say it forces them to maintain focus.

I know that I could not do that yet. But I try to not look at my indicator much.

Seems to be quite a contradiction. It is constantly impressed on us, as NCAA umpires, that the NCAA Umpire Manual is our bible, and must be followed at all times. Our bible says:

"• Ball/strike indicator – must be used on plate and bases"

So, by their statement, they should not be CWS or Regional umpires, since they choose to disregard the manual requirement.

[U of M Sam]

How did a thread about Lasik surgery become a discussion about the ball/strike indicator?
Sam

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by U of M Sam

How did a thread about Lasik surgery become a discussion about the ball/strike indicator?
Sam

It didn't, we're just multi-tasking.

[U of M Sam]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

It didn't, we're just multi-tasking.

OK - I can now see clearly (poor attempt at humor)
Sam