One of the most controversial topics in Major League Baseball is the impending inclusion of the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), which is almost certain to be used in the near future.  The minor leagues began testing a full ABS system in 2021 before it reached the Triple-A level, one step below the majors, in 2022. This full system was what many called “robot umps,” where a video system replaced human umpire calls entirely. In 2023, Triple-A minor league baseball began experimenting with the ABS as an in game ball/strike challenge opportunity. 

The proposed system is rooted in a sophisticated operating nuance called Hawk-Eye technology. This is a sports analysis and officiating system that uses high-speed cameras, computer vision, and data analysis to track the trajectory of balls and players in real-time. It’s most real application is tracking and capturing the trajectory and impact of  tennis balls on in or out line calls. In baseball it creates a 3-D model of the baseball’s path and shows if it traveled through a strike zone image over home plate. 

Hawk-Eye’s replay technology allows officials to review close calls from multiple camera angles, aiding in accurate decision-making and verification. Each team starts the game with two challenges. A team maintains its challenge if the disputed call results in an overturned decision and loses it if the original call is confirmed. Hawk-Eye Innovations is a leading provider of sports technology solutions, with a global presence in various sports leagues and events. 

Unlike in the replay reviews, only the batter, pitcher or catcher can call for an ABS challenge. Meaning the manager and other teammates must rely on one of those players to have a reliable eye. Knowing when to use your team’s challenges will involve some strategy. A questionable called third strike or fourth ball with the bases loaded might be a more useful time to challenge a call than an early inning bases-empty encounter. To challenge a disputed call, the batter must immediately tap his helmet to signal for an ABS review.

An image with the location of the pitch and the result of the challenge is then shown on the stadium video board and for viewers at home to see the results in real time. According to MLB.com, the visual component is still being tinkered with to ensure the broadcasted graphics are not used in a way that helps teams identify the best pitches to challenge.

I.M.H.O.

I am very torn between scorn and acceptance of this new technology. I became a fan of baseball at an early age and at heart I’m a baseball traditionalist. However, I see how the NFL succeeded at incorporating replays successfully and I think the Hawkeye technology will work in baseball. I mean, I still hate the designated hitter, but I think in the right situations Robot Umpires will add some cool drama in critical game conditions.

I’m S.A.Bear and I approve this message.