Best count indiator to buy
 

Im looking at buying a new indicator. Ive decided on the stainless steel or aluminum indicator, which one is the most durable over time.
thanks

This is one thing each umpire has to decide on their own. This is purely an individual choice.

Personally, for the past 42 years, I preferred, and have exclusively used the three-wheel, stainless steel. Don't like the plastic or a useless fourth wheel, but that is me. :cool:

And I prefer the plastic 4-wheel indicator (simply because our scorekeepers fall asleep on the job most of the time). ;)

I have one plastic indicator that's about 25-27 years old. Still works, though I did have to re-paint the numbers. Three times.

Jeez... all your pennies must be concave by now! :eek:

Nah, I don't use it anymore. It used to be my dad's when he called games, but I snatched it up after he retired. I've got 4 or 5 others. I do keep it in my bag for good luck, though. :)

How many times does this have to be pointed out?

The fourth wheel is most definitely useful. It is that second wheel I question... :D

You can get it in two styles:

http://sabian.whispers.org/indicator.jpghttp://sabian.whispers.org/indicator2.jpg

I was wondering why my bandwidth was getting a little slow. ;)

I use markworts (sp) 4 wheel stainless... they last forever..... I usually end up giving away 2-3 a year to younger umpires.... its a little bigger, but feels comfortable in my huge paws

When was the last time the winning team continued to play after they won the game?

The ONLY time I worry about the inning is if a slaughter rule may come into play. As a UIC, the only time I worry about the inning is if a game is running long and screwing up the schedule. ;)

I prefer an indicator that does not provide needless information (ie. ball 4, strike 3 or our 3).

Around here? Plenty! The scorekeepers take almost an entire inning (or more) to update the scoreboard with the correct runs and outs, and there have been a number of instances when this delay caused problems with umpires who didn't keep track of runs. Either the score showed that it was a tie (and the teams played an extra inning) or the score showed that someone won (when it was really a tie).

So yeah, with each runner that crosses the plate, I use the Innings (AKA - Hot Moms) wheel to keep track of the runs. After all, it goes from 0 to 9, just like our base-10 mathematics. :)

We've complained over and over again to the organizers of the league, but they don't seem to do anything about it. Well, they did remove the TV...

What is a scoreboard? A person who keeps track of runs is a scorekeeper, not an umpire.

Then maybe you shouldn't be doing someone else's job.

Believe me, I'd love to not have to worry about this. Unfortunately, we've got the scorekeepers up in a tower who don't even know who's up to bat next because they're on the phone with their girlfriends or wives, reading the paper or, in the past, watching TV. The other league in our area keeps the scorekeepers right behind the backstop, and they have one person working the board with another person keeping the books. A MUCH better system, as the teams can resolve score discrepancies right away.

I've gone to the one with Larger Numbers
Getting old sucks!:D

I use this one:

http://www.officialgear.com/images/ump530s.jpg

I bought it at officalgear.com. It's a 3/2/2 indicator. I velcroved a watch on the reverse side.

Hey all,

This is the same one that use, minus the watch. The larger and yellow numbers are GREAT for night games!

LomUmp:cool:

I couldnt care less what the scoreboard says...Id rather have it off - less confusion that way. I dont track runs except as Mr. Mafia attests to.

If I want to know the score, I go to the book. I can't imagine taking my time from game management to worry about the scoreboard :rolleyes:

All I do is one little click each time a runner scores. If the score's off, I wait for the teams to say something. I then tell them to go upstairs and talk with the scorekeepers.

Wow, what a distraction. ;)

Fixed

I'm ordering two of these.

I too think this is a personal preference deal.

I use the plastic 4 wheel that I've notched at the 0's. I dont use the inning wheel often but I've grown used to to the indicator itself.

I, too, use the Markwort stainless. Mine is the slim version. Best indicator I have ever used. I don't know if you know this or not, but they make a thin version, like I use, and the thicker version with the raised lettering...etc.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center bgColor=#e6e6e6 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=detailheader align=middle height=30>K49 - SPEC. LARGE PLASTIC INDICATOR</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=585 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD height=10> </TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle width=300><!--Item Image-->http://www.honigs.com/img_item_full/K49up421.jpg
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=208 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!--end item image--></TD><TD width=15> </TD><TD vAlign=top align=left><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=detailheader2 align=left colSpan=3>Our Price: $5.25 </TD></TR><!--// <tr> <td colspan="3" nowrap align="right"> </td> </tr> //--><TR><TD class=content colSpan=3><!-- DisplayProductOptions Start Time:0.0625--><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY></TBODY></TABLE><!-- DisplayProductOptions End Time:0.0625--><!--//Gift Wrap Message
<input type="hidden" name="Ecom_Item_Text_Option_Name" value="Gift Wrap Message = "> <textarea cols="40" rows="5" name="Ecom_Item_Text_Option"></textarea> //--><!-- DisplayProductDiscounts Start Time:8.007813E-02-->Buy 2 or more and pay only $5.00 each.
<!-- DisplayProductDiscounts End Time:8.007813E-02--></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=center><INPUT class=input size=4 value=1 name=Ecom_Item_Quantity> <INPUT type=hidden value=0 name=Add_Item_To_Cart> </TD><TD vAlign=top><INPUT type=image alt="Add To Cart" src="http://www.honigs.com/Buttons/add_cart.gif" border=0 name=AddToCart></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=3 width=585 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=content>Honig's large plastic indicator. 3 ball, 2 strike, 2 out display
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>I like the loud, positive *click* - mick

My choice also Mick. Like the large letters, no 3rd strike, no 4th ball, or 3rd
out.
Agree with Mike on scorekeeping.

<DD class=ety>Louis Braille design.:cool: </DD>

Only problem I've had with the Honig's indicator is the balls and strikes are reversed from every other indicator I've ever used.

Yeah, somebody got the idea that the order on the indicator should be the same as the order of the count. I have used both kinds, but the Honig's K49 (and the identical +POS model I have as a spare) are what I normally use.

Switching back and forth between S-B-O and B-S-O indicators is not advised, but getting used to the B-S-O order is not a problem.

Yeah. Yer certainly correct.
If I look at the indicator, I don't have to interpolate.
That's prolly a good thing for me. :)

YU.P.
I think the +POS was first.

Are they still in business?

Apparently not.

All he wants to know is "stainless steel or aluminum indicator, which one is the most durable"

That would depend on what you plan on doing with the indicator where the differences between stainless steel and aluminum would matter. I wouldn't imagine it makes any difference for use as an indicator. Although, come to think of it, perhaps the stainless can be more highly polished and can then be used to secretly signal your partner! :D

Yeah, but look at the group he asked!:rolleyes:

He could have just as well asked what the membership thought of banging your fists together to indicate a full count! :eek:

Opinions are like a$$holes - everyone's got one. Umpires are more than willing to give you theirs!

Their opinions, guys! Sheesh, get your minds out of the gutter.

I don't guess so.
Their indicators were first.
But *they* didn't last. :)

Is this posted in the correct thread?

Are you asking for my opinion on that? :D

He wanted our opinions on indicators. :)

Ha! I think I am. :)

Where did the gutter thing come in?

A Burgundian joke comes to mind, but only my mom and aunt would get that one.

Mick, you're killing me!

Oh my, I am having flash backs to high school softball meetings, where one umpire asks for a little help on a situation and, ten minutes later, we are talking about anything but the answer.

I have an aluminum one I was give 10 years ago that I pull out once in a while, 3 wheel. But I use my plastic 4 wheel so much it's hard to use the 3 wheel without messing up. If my opinion counts, aluminum would be my choice.

If you work USSSA, your opinion doesnt count....:)

Not meaning to hi-jack a three page thread on the durability of alumium vs steel vs plastic (with re-painted numbers), but I thought fist banging was the international sign for "hit the plate.":cool:

Well, three pages into this thread, so I think it is about time someone asked, what is an "Indiator"?

Is it an Indiana Jones impersonator? Or maybe it is Indiana Jones personal pilot! Or maybe the equivilant to a director in a Bollywood production.

Yes.


That's the vertical double fist bang. Mike was referring to the horizontal double fist bang. Don't you know your approved mechanics?? Geez. :cool:

H E Y - N O W !

:rolleyes:

If you knew how huge my buddy Darrell is, you might want to consider a softer approach :p Hell, my neck still hurts from looking up at him in Louisville in November :D

We use the vertical double-fister on the harwood and the diamond to let partner know he nailed a call.

I still don't git it.
...Burgundian joke.
I'm too Bohunk. http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/fr...smiley-013.gif

Re-read my "opinions" comment a few times. You might get it then.

If not, I guess there are plenty of Burgundians in Michigan (a reference to Hagar the Horrible - Google it).

Why???

I dunno.
Just a quick sign of appreciation of a good call., [fists stacked].
It seems more subtle than jumping up and down and saying, "Great call! Great Call !! Udaman! UDAMAN!!!" :)

When 3 balls = a walk, 2 strikes = a SO and innings become 2 outs, THEN the 4/3/3 will be 'useless' information (nice fantasy tho!)


sometimes ya gotta show the $&*^s that its strike THREE

I like clicking over to that third out - which I will leave on there after the end of one game until the beginning of the next!


yeah Im gettin to be an old fart too

I got me one of them there clickers that only has 3-2-2.

I dunno know about it. Still havent been brave enough to try it on the field.

I like the Schutt plastic one with the optic yellow wheels.

Easy to read, especially at night, and with an inning wheel that can be used to track the runs in the leagues that require the umpires to do so.

I agree. Great way to show support for your only friend on the field.

I dont do the various "good call" signals. I was working with a PAC10 NCAA guy this weekend and he was PU. I had a banger double play. I'm moving to position.. he was holding thumbs up. Pretty subtle that one.

Why don't we just start doing chest bumps? :rolleyes:
Spike the indicator? :rolleyes:
Stand and pose? :rolleyes:
Stretch out our shirt? :rolleyes:

Is the whole world becoming some weird combo of the NBA / NFL?

I was thinking high five then low five followed by a double fist pump.

Oh, hell NO! Next thing you know, someone will start a thread about indica....

nevermind!

Seems like from the rest of the thread my response will be out of line but I'll make it anyway, I haven't used one in years, try it some time, after a couple of games you'll wonder why you relied on that crutch.

Here we go, another baseball guy who thinks using a tool is a crutch while at the same time refusing to support his teammate.:(

I've worked games without a cup or chest protector. Try it sometime, working without those physical restraints which holds back an umpire's mobility. For that matter, let's get rid of the mask that can only get in the way.:cool:

Well, most of us who have called for a while don't actually need an indicator for 98% of the game. I know the count, and I find I look down at my indicator to make sure my indicator agrees with the count in my head, not the other way around.

When I'm umpiring a baseball game I do not bring an indicator onto the field. While umpiring softball games I bring an indicator with me. It remains either in my left front pocket as the BU or my ball bag if I'm the PU. I can always show the indicator if my teammate needs support and it keeps the various UIC's for the different softball associations I belong to happy.

It is not a matter of making people happy. It is a matter of using an available and prescribed tool to aid an umpire in the performance of his/her duties. I use an indicator because I don't want to have to worry about the count or outs as there are many other issues on the field which demand the umpire's attention.

Actually it can be a matter of keeping people happy. If the UIC's for the various umpire associations I work for are not happy with me, I could become unhappy with my assignments.

Heck why not just memorize the line ups, too, and avoid that whole crutch of keeping the written line up and taking all that time writing things down.

I'll have to agree with Mike on this one. It is a tool. While 98% of the time I never even look at mine, it is nice to know that when I do need it, I have the count right there. Everyone, at some point in time, is going to lose the count. Better safe than sorry.

:D

You don't do that? :rolleyes:

A bunch of the Fed umpires around here obviously do. I mean, they never pull out the card when a change is made, so they must have it memorized, right?

I've never understood why an umpire will not keep a line-up card.

It can make your game so much easier by taking a few seconds to record a change. And God help you if there is a protest over BOO or substitution issues, 'cause the first thing the UIC is going to do is ask for your line-up card.

i use as an indicator 100% of time.I have seen many a times where both teams are keeping score and start to disagree on outs or count.If you as an official do not have an indicator you are asking for one or even both teams to start jumping all over you.Why not use the tools available.number one rule cover your own ***!

Welcome to board probie...[NCIS fan]

Well, McGeek, this thread is so old, it seems more like something from Cold Case.

Is a little old isn't it. Guess probie was surfing.