When I say “America’s pastime”, what do you think of? Baseball? Hot dogs? The wave? Robots? If that last one doesn’t sound familiar, then keep reading. We’re in the postseason for Major League Baseball (MLB) now, but next year will be a new start with new technology. America’s past time is getting an overhaul using the new ABS Challenge System for calling some balls and strikes. Let’s chat.
What’s ABS?
The ABS in ABS Challenge System stands for Automated Balls and Strikes. The system determines if a given pitch is a ball or a strike based on the strike zone, which for the ABS will be computer generated. The strike zone, a 2 dimensional space above home plate, is set based on the height of the player-at-bat.
So will this be used all the time?
You might think they would just switch to this over umpires, but no, Umpires will still be responsible for the calls at the plate. However, some players can challenge a call. Once a player calls for a challenge, then the ABS Challenge System is used to determine a ball or strike.
So what keeps players from just challenging every call?
MLB has a rule limiting each team to two challenges during the game. If a challenge review indicates an incorrect call, then the team gets to keep that challenge. If instead the challenge reveals the ump made the right call, then the team losses that challenge and will have fewer opportunities for the rest of the game. Also, only catchers, pitchers, and the player-at-bat can request a challenge. No one on the bench, including the manager, can request a challenge. Teams out of challenges in extra innings will get an additional challenge for each extra inning they don’t have one.
I think its great that the MLB figured out how to keep the ump behind the plate but still incorporate technology in a supporting role. They could have easily switched to this system full time. I do wonder how this could still fundamentally change the game. I imagine that we won’t see many irate managers at the plate arguing crucial calls with the umpire. But, then again, maybe we will if teams believe the system is in their favor. Of course, if that happens, then robo-umps just might take over.
Explore More
ABS Challenge System coming to MLB full time in ’26
MLB approves robot umpires for 2026 as part of challenge system
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46357017/mlb-approves-robot-umpires-2026-part-challenge-system
Leave a Reply