So… how does the ABS challenge system work? And why is it preferable to “robot umps”? Let’s review. What is the ABS challenge system?It is a compromise between “full ABS” (i.e. all balls and strikes being called by a computer) and tradition, with a sprinkle of strategy tossed...
There’s actually a little rush for the viewer as the player taps his head to signal he wants to challenge and then the replay video comes up on screen to show the trajectory of the pitch. Anything that can get more excitement into a baseball game is a good thing. Another aspect of th...
MLB’s spring training experiment— an automated ball/strike challenge system in the majors for the first time — has drawn positive reviews from Mets personnel. During some Grapefruit League games,the batter, catcher or pitcher can challenge individual balls and strikes called by the plate umpire...
At a recent game for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, a AAA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, the technology was used to handle a “challenge” call. The umpire calls balls and strikes, and the hitter, catcher or pitcher challenges a call. Then the in-stadium scoreboard di...
Major League Baseball is conducting a trial this spring, utilizing the Automated Balls and Strikes Challenge system. The Arizona Diamondbacks will play 29 spring training games utilizing the system, the most of any team in MLB. MLB has been conducting trials and research for years...
ABS was promoted to five Triple-A parks in 2022 and expanded to all Triple-A stadiums in 2023, the robot alone for the first three games of each series and a human with a challenge system in the final three. That system was in place at the start of 2024, but MLB switched to a...
the ball very hard -- if not consistently -- and he's a weapon behind the plate with his arm. One potential issue: Framing won't have nearly the value it does now by the time Contreras is a free agent because of the expected implementation of the automated ball-strike challenge system...
Now, managers could “ challenge” almost every call except for balls and strikes, twice per game. Late in the game, umpires could challenge calls on their own if a manager ran out of challenges. 2015: Chase Utley sparks debate over hard slides Mitchell Leff // Getty Images 2015: Chase ...
Now, managers could “ challenge” almost every call except for balls and strikes, twice per game. Late in the game, umpires could challenge calls on their own if a manager ran out of challenges. 2015: Chase Utley sparks debate over hard slides Mitchell Leff // Getty Images 2015: Chase ...
designated hitter rule designated runner doctoring the baseball fair ball field dimensions fielder right of way force play foul ball foul tip ground rules infield fly manager challenge mound visit neighborhood play obstruction official scorer ordinary effort pace of play pitch timer (2023 rule change) ...