With MLB using the automated system for appeals on balls and strikes, I thought I'd see what people thought. My take is it needs to be full-time. Umpires are being overruled and jeered for missing a 96mph slider by .01 of an inch. Not good. Judging exactly, to that degree of difinity, just isn't possible for the human eye. If it were, batters would have higher batting averages.
So make all ball/strike calls by ABS.
How about projecting a holographic box over the plate corresponding exactly to the batter's dimensions to make it easier for the umpire to see the ball passing through the holograph?
@hhlurker as a spectator that might be fun, but would it mess with hitters and catchers?
Yes, I was thinking about that a bit. The batter probably not but the catcher possibly. Maybe there's a way to polarize the holograph so it's only visible in the direction of the ump.@hhlurker as a spectator that might be fun, but would it mess with hitters and catchers?
Or...how about AI glasses or goggles for the ump that create a holograph-like image!!! Now were talking! Hell, such glasses could probably compute the strike or ball for the ump in real time and the ump would hear or see the AI verdict. Kind of like barcodes eliminating the need for cashiers to know the price of every item.
It’s inevitable, and I bet it will be employed starting with the 2027 season. Simple system, with the “call” by ABS relayed to the home plate umpire who will then make the official call. The call will be nearly instantaneous. Will still need a human behind the plate for checked swings, foul tips and plays at the plate.
Despite the appeal, there will never be any future Earl Weavers. And that’s a shame.
Can anyone here play this game?