Any communication that reasonably can be expected to convey the count to the players and coaches works for me. I started to describe my own practices, but it got so long, complicated, and boring that I decided to spare y'all. They do include both holding up a left fist and two fingers on a right hand and saying "no balls, two strikes" and just holding up the right hand and saying "oh-two" or "two strikes". I've only been formally evaluated once in five years and don't recall whether this issue was addressed.

I will say that I only use a double-digit number, like "eleven", when I'm wearing my hat backwards or my shinguards outside my pant legs, neither of which has ever happened.

I believe someone else has already mention call a strike with right hand, indicate a strike with the same. Of maybe, it is for the same reason we all read from left to right, so we understand. Not much is more annoying than an umpire who uses the wrong hands. I've seen teams go crazy over this.

Yeah, I've done this, but only with close communication with catcher or batter. It works if they understand. If you get a silly look, just repeat the count in a manner they can understand.

BTW, because we all understand the number of balls is announced first followed by the number of strikes, it is not uncommon for an umpire to respond to a request for the count simply with numbers and not identifiers (i.e., one-two, three-one, zero/ohh-two, etc.).

Right or wrong, for several years I've verbalized 0-2 by saying, "Two strikes. Oh-two!" It's quick, non-offensive, and not likely cause for someone to pop off with a verbal comment.

As for the reasoning behind showing the count with strikes on the right hand ... I was taught many years ago that was so the scoreboard operator (who is behind the umpire) would see the count the same order it is represented on the scoreboard.

What came first the scoreboard or the count? :cool:

And why the hell is the clicker backasswards then! :confused: :D

Not all of them are...

http://www.honigs.com/img_item_full/K49up421.jpg

I seem to remember someone posting (maybe on this board) about an umpire who used the opposite hands for the count so the pitcher could see the count in the correct order! :eek:

If s/he was dyslexic, maybe.

Then there are those who raise the respective hand while announcing each portion of the count.

When did the currently-used mechanics for showing the count get introduced?

Mine isn't. :D

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

The egg! :eek:

And the chicken looked pretty pissed about it, too, but they fortunately make pills for that.

I've never run into the problem...
> "The count's oh and one."
> "It's thee and two."
> "Es tres y uno."

And...
> "Home team, we need another softball."

I have NEVER considered that 'backasswards' I am reading UP...:rolleyes:

and every time I try one of those so-called 'correct' indicators, I get so f%^%% up, I RUN for my old reliable 'normal' indicator....

And I have always equated 'no balls' with 'hit her in the box!' - for the first I just raise the the fingers on the right and go 'Two strikes" loudly and authoritatively. For the second its 'dead ball - hit her there!' - while pointing....

And I know several of our membership who probably would have the 'hot moms' clicker, if ASA sold it....:D