Digital baseball and softball umpire game status indicator

Abstract

A digital baseball and softball game umpire status indicator comprising a battery powered or otherwise powered electronic unit possessing inputs and associated indicators for balls, strikes, outs, innings, home team and road team scores, and trips to the pitching mound. The housing is ergonomically designed to avoid user fatigue and inadvertent actuation of the inputs. The apparatus also has a time feature, an input lock feature, reset feature, an audible output when the indicators are advanced, and a redundant securing means to prevent inadvertent dropping of the device by the user. The displays are illuminated as required to provide for easy reading at night and during daylight. The device may also be equipped with wireless capabilities for actuation of remote displays such as scoreboards.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hand-held apparatus for assisting umpires to keep track of baseball and softball game status and rules. More particularly, the apparatus comprises a battery powered or otherwise powered electronic unit possessing inputs and associated indicators for balls, strikes, outs, innings, home team and road (visitor) team scores, trip or trips to the pitching mound and a timer. The apparatus also has an input lockout feature, reset feature, an audible output when the indicators are advanced or reach predetermined setpoints, a power control input, a preset timer hours input, a preset timer minutes input, a start timer input, a pause timer input, a reset timer/new game input, an edit input, and a half inning display. The housing is ergonomically designed to avoid user fatigue and inadvertent actuation of the inputs and is anchored by a redundant securing means to prevent inadvertent dropping of the device by the user. The displays are illuminated as required to provide for easy reading at night and during daylight.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

A game of baseball or softball is governed by rules of the game. The current status during the game, i.e., runs, outs, strikes, balls and innings played, number of visits to the pitching mound, and in some instances time limitations for little league or recreational softball games determine the current score. Consequently, accurate record keeping of the score is vital to the flow and enforcement of game rules.

Devices widely used by baseball and softball umpires comprise metal or plastic cases with plastic or metal disks mounted therein. Each disk has numerals printed on the diameter which appear through apertures in the cases. Generally, there are four apertures corresponding to four disks representing balls, strikes, outs, and inning. However, these devices suffer from several drawbacks because they are simply hand held without any means to secure the devices within the user's hand or prevent accidental dropping. First, dust and dirt tend to get inside the casing causing the movement of the disks to become impeded, and potentially broken if completely impeded. Second, the associated dust and dirt commonly found at baseball and softball fields scratches off the painted numbers on the disks thereby making the indicator difficult to read. Third, the devices are prone to being dropped or unintentionally thrown when making a “safe call” because there is no means to secure the device to the operator's hand.

Fourth, the devices do not record the runs scored by either team. Fifth, the devices do not contain a game timer with audio alarm. Sixth, the devices do not contain a half inning indicator. Seventh, the devices do not have interactive incrementing of i.e. outs increment when a third strike is called or inning or half inning advances when a third out occurs. Consequently, a need exists for a device which is self-contained, easily readable, has more features and is securely held by the umpire.

The present invention relates to a hand-held operated umpire's game status indicator. The prior art devices, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,695 do not incorporate a counter for keeping track of visits to the pitcher mound by the manager or coaches. Pursuant to Major League Baseball rules, a second visit with a pitcher by a manager or coach requires removal of that pitcher from the game.

Unlike the prior art, manual reset of balls and strikes is not required after the batter strikes out or achieves a base on balls. In addition, manual resetting of balls, strikes and outs is not required when the third out is recorded for a half inning. Along with the automatic resetting of balls, strikes and outs after recordation of the third inning, the present invention automatically indicates which team is up at bat by highlighting either guest or home, and automatically advancing the inning after the third out by the home team in their half of the inning.

Unlike the U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,695, the present invention permits statistical recordation beyond nine innings.

Further, all other prior art devices do not incorporate a redundant means to prevent accidental dropping or throwing of the apparatus. Dropping of electronic indicators such as the present invention, or simple mechanical devices directly impacts the life-expectancy of the device.

Additionally prior art devices only register or display the statistic on the hand held device. The present invention incorporates a wireless feature for interfacing with stadium scoreboards to display the official statistics to the spectators.

Unlike the prior art, the present invention incorporates ergonomic styling to reduce hand fatigue, occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as prevent actuation of the wrong input. The present invention also permits the user to relax and flex his/her hand without dropping the device. Furthermore, the shape facilitates actuation of the inputs without the user looking at his or her hand to ensure actuation of the proper input.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a device which performs game status functions and time control with clearly arranged scoring and is simple to operate.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a scoring device which includes actuation buttons for status update inputs and for starting, pausing, presetting and resetting the timer.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a means to keep track of visits to the pitcher's mound in accordance with applicable rules.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a redundant means to secure the device to the umpire's hand to avoid accidental dropping of the device. In one embodiment, the device is secured by an elastic cord which encircles the users palm and incorporates a lanyard which is placed around the user's wrist. An alternate embodiment incorporates a finger loop or fingers loops similar to brass knuckles along with a lanyard around the user's wrist or, in the alternative, an elastic cord encircling the user's hand.

The present invention is easier to operate and manufacture than the U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,695 which incorporate digital functions. The device is readily portable and can easily fit in the umpire's hand or pocket, or stored in the umpire's equipment bag when not in use.

With the foregoing and other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention which will become hereinafter apparent, its nature may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims, and to the several views illustrated in the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of the device.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the right side of the device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the left side of the device.

FIG. 5 depicts an overhead view of the device.

FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of the device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram indicating the control arrangement of the device.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment in actual use.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment in actual use.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the first alternate embodiment in actual use.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the first alternate embodiment in actual use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A complete understanding of this invention can be gained through reference to the drawings in conjunction with a thorough review of the disclosure herein. To facilitate this understanding, a table of commonly used reference numerals is provided.

• 1—case
• 2—front face
• 3—rear face
• 4—right side
• 5—left side
• 6—top side
• 7—bottom side
• 10—display screen
• 12—balls display
• 14—strike display
• 16—out display
• 18—trip indicator
• 20—visitor score
• 22—home score
• 24—time display
• 28—first recess
• 30—second recess
• 32—third recess
• 33—time start actuator
• 36—strike actuator
• 38—out actuator
• 40—shift button
• 42—score actuator
• 44—trip actuator
• 46—clear button
• 34—balls actuator
• 35—time stop actuator
• 50—first strap anchor
• 52—second strap anchor
• 54—strap
• 56—anchor
• 58—loop
• 70—lock button
• 80—thumb grip
• 90—first ring
• 92—second ring
• 94—third ring
  Overview

The apparatus is capable of recording in-game status of balls, strikes, outs, runs, innings, visits to the pitcher by coaching staff, and time.

FIGS. 1 through 6 and FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the first embodiment of the invention from all six perspective views. The device generally comprises a case 1 possessing a front face 2, a rear face 3, a right side 4, a left side 5, a top side 6, and a bottom side 7. The device is intended to be held in the user's left hand because all signals by an umpire are given with the right hand according to baseball rules.

The Front Face

FIG. 1 depicts the front face 2 which incorporates display screen 10 generally off-center toward left side 5. The display may be either LED or LCD. It is preferred that the display screen 10 incorporates therein displays for balls 12, strikes 14, outs 16, inning 17, trips to the mound 18, visitor score 22, home score 20, and time 24. Disposed within front face generally toward the right side is a first recess 28 for the user's finger, a second recess 30 for the second finger, and a third recess 32 for a third finger. Disposed within recess 28 is button 34 for actuating the balls display 12. Disposed within recess 30 is button 36 for actuating the strikes display 14. Disposed within recess 32 is button 38 for actuating the outs display 16.

Disposed preferably beneath display screen 10 are the time dual function actuators 33 and 35. Actuator 33 when depressed alone starts the timer. Actuator 35 when depressed alone stops the timer. When actuator 33 is depressed in tandem with shift button 40, the timer is advanced for purposes of presetting a time value on the countdown timer. When actuator 35 is depressed in tandem with shift button 40, time value is decremented from the countdown timer.

Disposed preferably above display screen 10 is score actuator button 42 and pitcher visitation counter button 44. Also located on front face 10 is a manual clear button 46 for resetting both balls and strikes if the batter does not strike out or receive a base on balls.

To power the umpire indicator “on” and “off” the invention may utilize either a singular dedicated power button, or actuation of a combination of pre-existing buttons. Both methods of powering the device “on” and “off” widely recognized in the field of electronics.

When the device is turned on, the device automatically resets displaying zero runs for both teams, zero balls, zero strikes, zero outs, zero trips to the pitcher, no time on the clock, and top of the first inning. Further explanation of the device functions is recited within the subsection entitled control arrangement.

Rear Face

FIG. 2 depicts the rear face 3 opposite front face 2. Disposed generally parallel along the vertical plane rear face 3 is strap anchor 50 and strap anchor 52. It is preferred that anchors 50 and 52 are located as far apart as possible along vertical axis of the device as close to the outer edge of rear face 3 as possible without compromising the structural integrity of the device. Biased between anchors 50 and 52 is strap 54. As depicted in FIG. 9, strap 54 encircles the hand of the operator without impeding the operator's ability to actuate any of the buttons on the front face of the device.

It is preferred that anchors 50 and 52 comprise horizontal bars deployed within separate recesses affording sufficient space to tether strap 54 to the anchors and to provide the strap sufficient space to rotate. It is also preferred that strap 54 comprise a loop created from Velcro to permit adjustment of the strap size to conform to the size of the user's hand. Alternatively, elastic, leather or fabric material with a means 50 for adjusting the size of the strap to accommodate different sized hands of various users such as a buckle or other adjustment mechanisms known in the art. Adjustment means 50 may be omitted if the material utilized possesses elastic properties. Because the strap is replaceable, dirt resistance does not necessarily have to be a factor in the choice of material for creation of strap 54.

Right Side

FIG. 3 depicts the right side 4 generally reflects four ridges created from three recesses 28, 30 and 32 for alignment of the user's fingers with buttons 34, 36 and 38. The upper most portion of the right side, above the recess 28, is generally flat with a shift button 40 disposed therein. It is preferred that button 40 is recessed below the surface to avoid inadvertent actuation of the button. Button 40 when actuated in conjunction with buttons 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 44, and 42 will subtract an entry shown in the corresponding output. When button 40 is actuated in combination with buttons 33 or 35 the desired time for the count down timer can be preset. When buttons 40 and 33 are actuated in concert, the timer will increment. In contrast, when buttons 40 and 35 are actuated in concert, the timer will decrement. When switch button 33 is depressed the preset value in the timer display will start to decrement in real time intervals. When switch button 35 is depressed the decrementing time value in the timer display will pause. When the timer decrements to zero an audible alarm will sound.

Recess 28 is for the user's first finger, recess 30 for the user's second finger, and recess 32 for the user's third finger. It is preferred that recesses 28, 30 and 32 extend from the right portion of the front face 2 across the right side 4 on to the left portion of rear face 3. Generally for best comfort and ease of utilizing the device, recess 28 will be occupied by the user's middle finger, recess 30 will be occupied by the user's ring finger, and recess 32 will be occupied by the user's pinky.

While four sides are indicated, it should be understood that any configuration could be used for this invention. The depicted invention may be equally considered as comprising five sides with the right side representing two sides based upon the angle of the upper portion of the right side which incorporates button 40. The invention is generally shaped to be easily and comfortably carried by the umpire, i.e., to fit within the palm of his or her hand.

Left Side

The left side 5, depicted by FIG. 4 is generally curved in a “C”-shape. The curvature of left side 5 is preferably designed to mirror the curvature of the inside base portion, closest to the thumb, of a person's hand for maximum comfort and grip.

Disposed within left side (FIG. 4) 5 is anchor 56. It is preferred that anchor 56 is disposed in a recess with sufficient space to provide the loop sufficient freedom of movement so as not to encumber or annoy the user when placed around the user's wrist as a means for redundant safety against inadvertently dropping or throwing the device. Attached to anchor 56 is an adjustable loop 58. Incorporated within loop 58 is a means 60 for adjusting the circumference of the loop to accommodate the varying sizes of a user's wrist with the use of cinch or other mechanism that is readily known in the art. It is preferred that the loop comprise a lanyard with a cinch strap to adjust the circumference of the loop. Alternatively, loop 58 may be fabricated from leather, plastic, elastic or other durable material which is comfortable for the user. Because the loop is replaceable, dirt resistance does not necessarily have to be a factor in the choice of material for creation of loop 58.

Top Side

Referring to FIG. 5, disposed within the top side 6 is a button 70 for locking the device for preventing accidental actuation of switch buttons. It is preferred that button 70 is recessed below the surface of top side 6 to prevent inadvertent locking or unlocking of the device. For purposes of comfort, it is preferred that top side 6 incorporates a longitudinal recess 80 along its length for comfortable placement of the user's thumb, and to provide an additional means for maintaining a grip on the device by the user.

Control Arrangement

When the device is first powered on, the statistics are all reset to zero, and the Guest output is highlighted to indicate the top of the first inning, i.e., the start of the baseball or softball match. In addition, the score button 42 when depressed, is programmed to initially increment the guest score 22. The mound trip indicator 18 is preset to indicate zero trips to the mound for the home team pitcher.

If a player receives a base on balls, a.k.a. a walk or strikes out, the batter statistics of balls and strikes are reset to zero when the third strike is recorded or the fourth ball is recorded by the user. Otherwise, if a batter either achieves a hit or is retired by a put out in the field, the batter statistics of balls and strikes must be reset manually using the batter clear button 46. If the batter is retired by an out, the user must manually record an out using button 38 which then automatically resets the strikes and balls output to zero.

When the third out of a half inning is recorded, the device resets the balls, strikes and outs, and actuates the runs and pitcher visits for the other team. In addition, the display will highlight the actuated team. For example, when the third out is recorded in the top of an inning, the device will reset the balls, strikes and outs for the visiting team to zero, highlight the home team on the display, and actuate scoring for the home team and trips to the pitching mound for the guest/visiting team.

The timer may be used to keep account of the elapsed time of the game, or used alternatively as a timer to restrict the duration of the game. The elapsed time timer is simply actuated by pressing button 33 and stopping the time by depressing button 35. To function as a countdown timer to restrict playing time, time is set utilizing shift button 40 in concert with button 33 to increase the time set. In the event that the set time needs to be decreased because of a setting error, button 35 is actuated in concert with button 40 to decrease the time.

If a pitcher is replaced before the second visit to the mound, the mound trip indicator may be reset by actuating shift button 40 in concert with button 44 to reset the indicator to zero. If a second mound visit is incurred, a distinctive sound is generated alerting the user that the trip is a second visit to pitcher by the coaching staff. Thereafter, the user will reset the mound trip indicator by actuating shift button 40 in concert with button 44 to reset the indicator to zero.

As an additional feature, an audible output may be integrated into the invention. This audible output can emit different tones for actuation of each of the different functions, i.e., outs, strikes, balls, and trips to the pitcher's mound.

To power the umpire indicator “on” and “off” the invention may utilize either a singular dedicated power button, or actuation of a combination of pre-existing buttons. Both methods of powering the device “on” and “off” widely recognized in the field of electronics.

Alternate Embodiments

As depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, strap 48 may be eliminated in favor loops 90, 92, and 94 which extend outward from the left side 5 of the device, and each are aligned with recesses 28, 30, and 32, respectively. The inclusion of loops 90, 92, and 94 in conjunction with recesses 28, 30, and 32 creates a brass knuckle-type grip which some users find more comfortable than strap 50. Incorporation of a brass knuckle-type grip integrated as part of the device eliminates any concern about durability of strap 50 as well as cleanliness of strap 50 due to ambient dirt and perspiration of the user. Although it may not be as comfortable, if loops 90, 92, and 94 are incorporated in lieu of strap 50, recesses 28, 30, and 32 may be eliminated from the design.

Although it is preferred that the display screen 10 incorporates displays for balls 12, strikes 14, outs 16, inning 17, trips to the mound 18, visitor score 22, home score 20, and time 24, not all outputs are required to make this an effective device for baseball and softball games. At a minimum, statistical recordation and outputs for this device may comprise balls, strikes, and outs with associated actuators in the same position as articulated above.

This device might be made to use a remote display screen such as a scoreboard, computer, or other electronic unit in conjunction with or in lieu of screen 10 depicted using blue available wireless technology such as a Personal Area Network (PAN) commonly known as Bluetooth technology, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) IEEE802.11, Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) WiMAX IEEE802.16, Wireless USB (also known as EZRADIO), Wireless Power Area Network (WPAN) Zigbee IEEE 802.15.4 which is a low speed, low power and low cost means for wireless communication, or a Wireless Area Network (WAN) GPRS/GSM 1XRTT/CDMA which is a high speed wireless connection.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teaching of the invention.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not solely by the examples given.

Claims

1. A digital baseball and softball umpire game status indicator comprising:

a housing comprising a front face and rear face;

a display located on said front face comprising an outs indicator, a strikes indicator, a balls indicator, and an inning indicator;

a means for actuating each of said indicators;

a control means which is responsive to said means for actuating said indicators; and

a loop flexibly anchored to said housing for securing said umpire indicator to the wrist of the user to prevent inadvertent dropping of the device.

2. The umpire game status indicator in claim 1, wherein said display further comprises an indicator for recording trips to the pitcher's mound;

a means for actuating said trip indicator; and

said control means further responsive to said means for actuating said trip indicator.

3. The umpire game status indicator in claim 1, wherein said innings indicator permits recordation beyond nine innings.

4. The umpire game status indicator in claim 1, wherein said display further comprises a time indicator for tracking either elapsed time of the game or a countdown time after being set for a predetermined time period;

a means for actuating said time indicator; and

said control means which is further responsive to said means for actuating said time indicator.

5. The umpire game status indicator in claim 1, wherein said display comprises a liquid crystal display or a light emitting diode display.

6. The umpire game status indicator in claim 1 further comprising a first attachment means affixed to said rear face; a second attachment means affixed to said rear face; and a strap biased in between said first attachment means and said second attachment means to permit the user to grip the device.

7. The umpire status indicator in claim 1 wherein said control means automatically resets the balls indicia and strikes indicia for a batter upon recordation of an out by said umpire.

8. The umpire status indicator in claim 1 wherein said control means automatically resets the balls indicia, strikes indicia, and outs indicia upon recordation of a third out.

9. The umpire status indicator in claim 1 wherein said control means automatically highlights a batting team upon recordation of the third out.

10. A digital baseball and softball umpire game status indicator comprising:

a housing comprising a front face and rear face;

a display located on said front face comprising an outs indicator, a strikes indicator, a balls indicator, an inning indicator, an indicator for recording trips to the pitcher's mound, and a time indicator for tracking either elapsed time of the game or a countdown time after being set for a predetermined time period;

a means for actuating each of said indicators;

a control means which is responsive to said means for actuating said indicators; and

a loop flexibly anchored to said housing for securing said umpire indicator to the wrist of the user to prevent inadvertent dropping of the device.

11. The umpire status indicator in claim 10 further comprising an audible means operatively connected to said control means for emitting a first tone when said balls indicator is actuated; a second tone when said strikes indicator is actuated; a third tone when said out indicator is actuated; a fourth tone when said countdown timer expires; and fifth tone when said trip indicator is actuated whereby the user can distinguish the actuated indicator by its unique tone.

12. The umpire status indicator of claim 10 further comprising an audible means operatively connected to said control means for emitting a first series of tones when said balls indicator is actuated; a second series of tones when said strikes indicator is actuated; a third series of tones when said out indicator is actuated; and a fourth series of tones when said countdown timer expires whereby the user can distinguish the actuated indicator by its unique series of tones.

13. The umpire game status indicator in claim 10, wherein said display further comprises an indicator for home team score and an indicator for said visiting team score;

a means for actuating said indicator for home team score and said indicator for said visiting team score; and

said control means further responsive to said means for actuating said indicator for home team score and said indicator for said visiting team score.

14. The umpire game status indicator in claims 10 wherein a correction means permits the correction of said indicators;

a means for actuating correction of said indicators; and

said control means further responsive to said means for correcting said indicators.

15. A digital baseball and softball umpire game status indicator comprising:

a housing comprising a right side, a left side, a top side, a bottom side, a front face and a rear face;

said right side comprising a four ridge scallop shape formed by a first recess, a second recess and a third recess extending from the right side of said front face across said right side around to said rear face for comfortable placement of the user's fingers;

a display located on said front face comprising an outs indicator, a strikes indicator, a balls indicator, an inning indicator, an indicator for recording trips to the pitcher's mound, and a time indicator for tracking either elapsed time of the game or a countdown time after being set for a predetermined time period;

a means for actuating said indicators located on said housing; and

a control means which is responsive to said means for actuating outs, strikes, balls, trips and time and inning on said display.

16. The umpire indicator in claim 15 wherein said means for actuating said ball indicator is disposed in said first recess on said front face;

said means for actuating said strike indicator is disposed in said second recess on said front face; and

said means for actuating said out indicator is disposed in said third recess on said front face.

17. The umpire game status indicator in claim 15 wherein said left side comprises a generally convex curvature matching the general curvature of a human left hand.

18. The umpire game status indicator in claim 15, further comprising a first attachment means affixed to said rear face; a second attachment means affixed to said rear face; and a strap biased between said first attachment means and said second attachment means to permit the user to grip the device.

19. The umpire status indicator in claim 15, further comprising a loop anchored with adjustment means and means for attaching said loop to said left side of said housing to prevent the inadvertent dropping of said indicator.

20. The umpire game status indicator in claim 15, wherein said innings indicator permits recordation beyond nine innings.

21. The umpire status indicator in claim 15 further comprising an audible means operatively connected to said control means for emitting a first tone when said balls indicator is actuated; a second tone when said strikes indicator is actuated; a third tone when said out indicator is actuated; and a fourth tone when said countdown timer expires whereby the user can distinguish the actuated indicator by its unique tone.

22. The umpire game status indicator in claims 15 wherein a correction means permits the correction of said indicators;

a means for actuating correction of said indicators; and

said control means which is further responsive to said means for correcting said indicators.

23. The umpire status indicator in claim 15 wherein said control means automatically resets the balls indicia and strikes indicia for a batter upon recordation of an out by said umpire.

24. The umpire status indicator in claim 15 wherein said control means automatically resets the balls indicia, strikes indicia, and outs indicia upon recordation of a third out.

25. The umpire status indicator in claim 15 wherein said control means automatically highlights a batting team upon recordation of the third out.

26. A digital baseball and softball umpire game status indicator comprising:

a housing comprising a right side, a left side, a top side, a bottom side, a front face and a rear face;

said right side comprising a four ridge scallop shape formed by a first recess, a second recess and a third recess extending from the right side of said front face across said right side around to said rear face for comfortable placement of the user's fingers;

said left side comprises a generally convex curvature matching the general curvature of a human left hand;

a display located on said front face comprising an outs indicator, a strikes indicator, a balls indicator, an inning indicator, an indicator for recording trips to the pitcher's mound, and a time indicator for tracking either elapsed time of the game or a countdown time after being set for a predetermined time period;

means for actuating said indicators located on said housing;

a control means which is responsive to said means for actuating outs, strikes, balls, trips, time and inning on said display; and

a first loop extending outward from said right side from said first ridge to said second ridge; a second loop adjacent to and generally aligned with said first loop extending from said second ridge to said third ridge; and a third loop adjacent to and generally aligned with said second loop extending from said third ridge to said fourth ridge to create a brass-knuckle-like grip for the user.

27. The umpire status indicator in claim 26 wherein said means for actuating said ball indicator is disposed in said first recess on said front face;

a means for actuating said strike indicator is disposed in said second recess on said front face; and

a means for actuating said out indicator is disposed in said third recess on said front face.

28. The umpire status indicator in claim 26 further comprising an audible means operatively connected to said control means for emitting a first tone when said balls indicator is actuated; a second tone when said strikes indicator is actuated; a third tone when said out indicator is actuated; and a fourth tone when said countdown timer expires whereby the user can distinguish the actuated indicator by its unique tone.

29. The umpire game status indicator in claim 26 wherein a correction means permits the correction of said indicators;

a means for actuating correction of said indicators; and

said control means is further responsive to said means for correcting said indicators.

30. The umpire status indicator in claim 26 wherein said control means automatically resets the balls indicia and strikes indicia for a batter upon recordation of an out by said umpire.

31. The umpire status indicator in claim 26 wherein said control means automatically resets the balls indicia, strikes indicia, and outs indicia upon recordation of a third out.

32. The umpire status indicator in claim 26 wherein said control means automatically highlights a batting team upon recordation of the third out.

33. The umpire status indicator in claim 1 further comprising a wireless means to display said indicators in said display on a remote display device.