Champro Indicator Pleases Baseball Gods

Recently Champro sent me a plastic indicator to review. The Champro Baseball 4-Dial Umpire Indicator (A048) has a "new configuration" with balls on the left and strikes on the right (backwards from most umpire indicators). My initial impression is that this configuration makes sense, but will require some reconditioning. Umpires are generally well rooted in tradition and habit, and the indicator becomes a part of the umpire. Balls and strikes are recorded with very little thought while the umpire views a steal attempt, past ball, or buxom blonde in the third row.

But then I got to thinking, “Why are strikes on the left side of the indicator and balls on the right?” How did this tradition develop? My question led to some research on the internet. What I discovered is that there is a controversy regarding the origins of the umpire hand signals to indicate balls and strikes. I have found three different versions:

The first version is that the coaches of legendary 19th century outfielder William “Dummy” Hoy (who was deaf) would indicate the umpire's call for Hoy by raising a right arm for a strike and a left for a ball. The story goes that the umpires liked the practice and started copying it.

The second origin is a 1901 game in Chicago when the plate umpire wore a red sleeve on his right arm to indicate a strike and a white sleeve on his left arm for a ball. The umpires in this game raised the appropriate arm for the call.

A third account involves an military umpire at a prison camp during the Spanish-American War that would pick up a pebble in his right hand for a strike and one his left for a ball to keep track of the count. That umpire also indicated the count with his raised fingers in noisy situations.

Hall of Fame umpire Bill Klem is also credited with introducing hand signals to the big leagues, as is National League umpire Cy Rigler, who reportedly started using them in the minor leagues.

But what about the reason the modern umpire indicator places strikes on the left, and balls on the right?

Indicators from the 19th century list balls first, then strikes (L to R). Later metal indicators (beginning in the 1940s?) listed strikes on top, balls in the middle, and outs at the bottom of the indicator. While I have not yet found an answer, I will continue to research this issue and perhaps one day write a report with a final answer (I have also written the Baseball Hall of Fame for information).

In the meantime, take a look at the new Champro indicator with balls on the left and strikes on the right (the way the baseball gods intended). The dial action is smooth and precise and the optic yellow wheel is easy to read.

The Champro Baseball 4-Dial Umpire Indicator (A048) is available for $24.96 at Epic Sports (pack of 12)

Now a Word on the Umpire Indicator

Plate and Field
The primary function of the indicator is to record outs, balls, and strikes. A four wheel indicator can also record the inning. Many amateur umpires that are required to keep score in the field will use this fourth wheel to keep track of runs during the half inning.

Whether on the plate or in the field, avoid looking down at your indicator. Keep your eyes on the ball and avoid missing a pick-off or quick-pitch. Practice with your indicator until you can glance at it and be able to reset it by feel. If you need to look at it while the ball is live, don't look down at it, hold it up at eye level and glance at it while you're still watching the field.

The indicator is always placed in the left hand. This is mainly because your out and strike call is made with the right hand.

Plate
Plate umpires are responsible for the count - not the field umpire! I like to keep my indicator in my ball bag. It slips easily into the bag and I can keep my hands loose. This helps avoid injury from foul balls and avoids cramping. Everyone is different, but early on I noticed my hands would cramp after hours on the field holding an indicator. The umpire should know the count without relying exclusively on his indicator. Remember, it is a tool, not a crutch!

At many levels the home and visitor is decided by a coin flip - often at home plate by the umpire. At these times never, ever flip your indicator. If you don't have a coin, there are several ways to select a home team. With young kids you can keep it fun with rock-paper-scissors. Otherwise roll your indicator to an odd or even number, show the number to one captain as another guesses. Of course, the best way to resolve the matter is to keep a coin in your bag.

Field
Many veteran umpires distain the use of an indicator in the field. I recommend that you keep an indicator in the field to assist your plate umpire. Keep your indicator in your pocket. After the second pitch take it out and record the count. Then record the count until it is full and then put it back in your pocket.