Will These Umpire Inventions Ever Make It?

Occasionally and more so lately, I receive calls or e-mails from inventors wanting us to purchase or commit to buying their unique inventions for umpires. Here are two that I found most... trying to think of something to say to keep it positive... oh, how about "unique"?

DIGITAL INDICATOR
When I first received a message about this product, I envisioned the same shape and size as a traditional indicator but buttons instead of wheels and a digital display. I wish I had a picture to show you but the website link I was sent is no longer available. Perhaps the reason is that the inventor sought feedback at umpire.org's discussion board and was absolutely just ripped there.

The best closest visual I can provide is a picture of a barcode scanner. The shape is the same but there are 3 buttons for strikes, balls and outs down the neck of the indicator where you hold it like you would a gun, and the top of the scanner is the flat screen/display.

The biggest problem with this design was that it appears the inventor was not an umpire nor had received any input from any umpires before they actually built a prototype, received a provisional patent and established a relationship with Rawlings to make them.

UMPIRE GLOVE
No, not gloves to keep your hands warm like we have but a glove that will allow you to attach your indicator to the palm with velcro so you don't have to hold it unless you're actually "clicking".

From the e-mail I received from the inventor, they've taken a batting glove, cut off the fingers and taped velcro to the glove. Take a look or go as far as purchasing one here.