New Time Wasting Device: The Wrist Band

[cb_miller]

This was the first year I really noticed the explosion of the QB like arm band. I noticed a few catchers using it last season but this year it went crazy. There were several teams that every defensive player wore one and waited on a coach to call out the play, look down at their arm band, try to find the number then decode the play.

6-2-2c clearly states 20 seconds, has anyone ever called a ball on this. Personally I have not I managed a a couple games along w/o needing to but came close this season.

[Bluefish]

I actually had a JUCO game where every player that came up to bat had one on. Also, every time there was a pitching change the catcher had to get a different wrist thing for the different pitcher. It was very annoying.

[socallurker]

I actually had a JUCO game where every player that came up to bat had one on. Also, every time there was a pitching change the catcher had to get a different wrist thing for the different pitcher. It was very annoying.

Hey if NFL QBs can have speakers in their helmets, maybe that's next for catchers . . . :rolleyes: . . .maybe you cal the wrist thing jewelery and wait for the fireworks . . .:D

[heyblue26]

Is this the same as the uniform wristbands that is disscussed in the BRD Book found on page 352.

OFF INTERP 371-537 HOPKINS: A team is wearing "Quarterback-style" Wristbands that have defensive plays listed under a velcro flap. Tinghey are legal provided they are not dangerous. If the umpire believes that the pitcher's band is distracting it would be removed.

Is it the same thing?

[yawetag]

Yes..

[heyblue26]

Yes..

Thanks I thought so but wasn't sure now I know

[Guidry]

I don't have a huge problem with the wrist bands although back when I played, we had to learn signals. This is just a lazy way of sending signals.

My big gripe is about the batters who come up the plate and they don't have the card in a wristband but it is stuck in their back pocket. Now between every pitch they get the numbers from the coach, take the card out, read the code off the card, then try to stick the card back in their pocket.

[cajunyankee]

Holy Crap. I'd lose my mind.

224-312-128....Hmmmmm, let's see, that's...wait where it it???
Oh, that's the take signal...

Thwap....Strike....

226-219-120....Hmmmmm, let's see, that's the bunt signal...

Uhg, I can't get this card back in my pocket....Time Blue...

Seriously?

[alex7]

Oh come on you old geezers, like sign delays didn't happen with the old method :p

coach goes through elaborate hand/body signals, realizes he messed up, gives wipe off signal, starts again. Player is confused, calls time, runs over to coach at 3rd base box.

Personally, I've seen enough quality teams that make this system quicker than the long elaborate signals that coaches always worried were being stolen. I'm a believer!

[BrianC14]

New?
These things were making the rounds in my area some 3 or 4 years ago; I haven't seen them used in at least 2 years. Now teams are back to playing baseball.

[gatoremt]

I see a few teams using them. I hate them.