MLB to test robot umpires as part of challenge system at next Spring training \ stacker news ~Stacker

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MLB to test robot umpires as part of challenge system at next Spring training edition.cnn.com/2024/11/21/sport/mlb-robot-umpires-challenge-system-spring-training-spt-intl/index.html

476 sats \ 14 comments \ @Coinsreporter 21 Nov Stacker_Sports

Through the new system, human umpires will still call balls and strikes, but teams have a limited number of challenges with which they can appeal on-field decisions. Teams retain the challenge if they are successful.

The ABS technology uses Hawk-Eye cameras to track the location of each pitch in relation to the strike zone.

The automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system will be trialed at 13 ballparks hosting 19 teams in 2025 to allow players to experience the new technology as the league works out how best to implement it, according to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

Although Manfred admitted that he “would be interested” in bringing in the ABS challenge system for the 2026 regular season, the commissioner added that the players’ experience with it will go a long way in deciding when it will be implemented.

Fun Fact: Cricket is much more advanced technologically than Baseball. Cricket had DRS implemented for a long long time ago. The third umpire plays the role of using technology for making decisions.

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60 sats \ 2 replies \ @Wumbo 21 Nov

He also said that there are ongoing conversations between the MLB and the Umpires Association in relation to the new technology, with their collective bargaining agreement set to expire on December 1 this year,

I could see the umpires striking again over this.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby 21 Nov

The Umpires Association will definitely make a fuss about this even though it is ultimately better for them. No one will be able to question the result of a game due to balls and strikes anymore. Didn't think the calls were right, why didn't you challenge. Mismanaged your challenges and didn't have any left, too bad, that's the coaches fault.

But they will likely see it as a slippery slope to full robot umpiring.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Coinsreporter OP 21 Nov

I don't think it's gonna change anything for umpires, albeit they'll be assisted. As I said it's used in Cricket for a long time and no umpire has lost his job because of this. The technology will only be used in decisions where umpires can often go wrong or often confused.

31 sats \ 0 replies \ @BitcoinAbhi 22 Nov

technologically than Baseball. Cricket had DRS implemented for a long long time ago. The third umpire plays the role of using technology for making decisions.

Totally agree.

20 sats \ 3 replies \ @Cje95 21 Nov

This challenge system is super quick if you have seen any minor league games (forgot what level they are on) I mean it takes longer to argue balls and strikes then the challenge!

0 sats \ 2 replies \ @Coinsreporter OP 21 Nov

Yeah. It hardly takes a minute. I've seen it but I've been experiencing much similar use of technology in Cricket for 15 years and I've no objection to it.

0 sats \ 1 reply \ @bren 21 Nov

I agree. You can also challenge the robot if you disagree, just like with real umpires.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Coinsreporter OP 21 Nov

No, the word robot used in the title by CNN is a clickbait most media does these days. There won't be any robots standing or sitting on the ground. It's only the use of technology for critical decisions. Like Cricket's third umpire, robots a.k.a. decision review system in MLB can't be challenged.

20 sats \ 5 replies \ @grayruby 21 Nov

Now we are talking! Let’s get the calls right at stop leaving the result of games up to the umpires.

40 sats \ 4 replies \ @Coinsreporter OP 21 Nov

TBH, the use of technology in Cricket for umpiring has done a lot of good to the game than any bad. I personally have no objection to Hawk-Eye or other computerised umpiring. MLB should implement it asap.

20 sats \ 1 reply \ @bren 21 Nov

I've never watched a full game of Cricket. Any tips for a newcomer watching?

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Coinsreporter OP 21 Nov

Listen to the commentry, you'll enjoy it. Cricket is the most unpredictable game and this is what makes it super fun.

You can also participate in Cricket pool to give you a kickstart with your understanding about the game.

20 sats \ 1 reply \ @grayruby 21 Nov

I am all for it. A bad umpires call potentially cost the Blue Jays a chance to go to the World Series in 2015. I am still bitter about it.

40 sats \ 0 replies \ @Coinsreporter OP 21 Nov

Let's get MLB closer to Cricket. In a cricket match a team gets two challenges which it can ask for the decision they think isn't correct. If the challenge is correct, two chances remain. If the challenge is false, 1 challenge is lost.