Will Major League Baseball Utilize Robotic Umpires By 2024?
Major League Baseball is one of the longest sports in U.S history as well as one spanning 146 years since 1876. However, now it may be making its next big change within the next few years as Robo-umpires may be taking over.
Modern technology has increased efficacy by leaps and bounds over the last few decades, now this may be affecting sports, specifically baseball. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke about key topics during a lengthy interview. Now umpires aren’t being fully replaced, at least not yet, but this Automated Ball-Strike System (ABSS) could be implemented in a few different ways to ensure more accurate calls during a game.
@MLB @MLBNetwork @UmpireAuditor @RobManfred pitch #2 is called a “ball” pitch #3 called a “K!” More “great work” from MAJOR LEAGUE umpires! SHAME #MLB SHAME #RobManfred pic.twitter.com/scenMofrUm
— Today’s America (@john55soz) June 21, 2022
One such way is simply using it as a way to relay information from the ABSS to the on-field umpires. Delay of games has been an issue in the past due to umpires having conflicting calls or the wrong call altogether.
In Manfred’s mind, this system would help speed up games with potentially more accurate calls. Another way it could be used is just for review like how soccer and football have their own systems for reviewing plays that are called into question.
This kind of tech has been a part of sports for years, even minor league baseball has seen a switch to a more modern approach. Now of course this won’t fix everything, but it will certainly help maintain a certain level of entertainment for the crowds as well as take off some of the heat that normal umpires have been receiving.
Though in the end, even though the technology isn’t always 100% accurate, mistakes happen. It’s just when you have screaming fans getting in fights that issues begin to rise.
The umpire just ended Miles Mikolas’s no hitter #roboumpires
— Jayce Weaver (@16JayceWeaver16) June 15, 2022
So, unfortunately, we won’t see a giant bulk robot at home plate, but we may see this technology implanted by 2024 if not sooner. So, what do you think about Manfred’s choice to move Major League Baseball along a more tech’d out path? We’ll be sure to let you know how it goes right here on Fox Sports New Jersey as we keep you updated on all your favorite sports Media.