MLB to Test Automated Ball-Strike System in Spring Training
Major League Baseball (MLB) is taking a major step toward automated umpiring by implementing an automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system in spring training 2025. Thirteen spring training stadiums, representing over 60% of Cactus and Grapefruit League games, will feature the technology. While full-season implementation is not expected before 2026, this extensive spring training trial marks a critically important milestone in MLB’s exploration of ABS.
Here’s how the challenge system will work during spring training:
- Each team receives two challenges per game, and triumphant challenges are retained.
- Only the batter, catcher, or pitcher can initiate a challenge, which must happen immediately after the umpire’s call. Players must quickly tap their hat or helmet to signal a challenge.
- The results of the challenge—whether the call was overturned or upheld—will be displayed on the scoreboard and broadcast to fans.
All five dual-team stadiums in Arizona will be participating in the ABS challenge system This year-long experiment will provide valuable data and insights for MLB as it continues to evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of using automated ball-strike calls in regular season games.
MLB to Test Pitch Challenge System During Spring Training
Major League Baseball (MLB) will implement a pitch challenge system during spring training 2024, marking a significant step towards potentially integrating automated ball-strike technology (ABS) into the regular season.
Twelve teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and eight teams playing in Florida, will participate in the trial.
The league aims to gather extensive data throughout spring training and the upcoming triple-A season to assess the feasibility of adopting the challenge system for the 2026 regular season.
MLB officials believe this approach offers a balance between technological advancement and preserving the traditional elements of the game.
Players, coaches, and umpires will provide feedback throughout the testing phase, helping the competition commitee make an informed decision.
here’s what we no about the pitch challenge system:
* **Process:** teams will have a limited number of challenges per game, similar to existing challenge systems in other sports.
* **Timeline:** Each challenge is expected to take approximately 17 seconds.
* **Success Rate:** Minor league experiments showed a 50% overturn rate, indicating potential for accuracy.* **Frequency:** Minor league testing averaged 3.9 challenges per game.
MLB’s decision to prioritize a challenge system over fully automated calls reflects a desire to maintain the human element of the game,especially pitch framing by catchers.
The first spring training game featuring the pitch challenge system will be played between the Dodgers and Cubs on Thursday, February 23, 2024, at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.
How will the accuracy of automated ball-strike calls be measured and evaluated by MLB during the spring training and upcoming triple-A season?
MLBS Automated Umpiring: Your Questions Answered
MLB’s push towards automated umpiring has sparked plenty of questions. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
- When will automated ball-strike calls be implemented?
- While spring training 2025 will feature an ABS challenge system, full-season implementation isn’t expected until 2026.
- How will the challenge system work?
- Each team gets two challenges per game, and prosperous challenges are retained.Only the batter, catcher, or pitcher can challenge, tapping their hat or helmet immediately after the umpire’s call. Results are displayed on scoreboards and broadcasts.
- Wich teams will participate?
- Thirteen spring training stadiums, representing over 60% of Cactus and Grapefruit League games, will use the ABS challenge system. All five dual-team stadiums in Arizona will participate.
- Why is MLB testing a challenge system instead of fully automated calls?
- MLB wants to balance technological advancement with preserving the human element, particularly pitch framing by catchers. The challenge system allows for a gradual transition.
- How accurate are automated calls?
- Minor league experiments showed a 50% overturn rate,suggesting potential for accuracy. However, MLB will continue to gather data throughout spring training and the upcoming triple-A season.
- When can I watch the pitch challenge system in action?
- The first spring training game featuring the pitch challenge system takes place on Thursday,February 23,2024,between the Dodgers and Cubs at Camelback Ranch in Glendale,Arizona.
Stay tuned for updates as MLB continues to explore the future of umpiring. Will automated calls become the norm? Only time will tell.
