Tag Archives: umpires

Won’t someone think of the catchers?

Posted on March 5, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

There’s at least one constituency affected by the looming future of robo umps that isn’t so sure about the whole thing. While pitch clocks, bigger bases and other rules changes debut this year at the major league level, the Automated Ball-Strike System will receive its … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Won’t someone think of the catchers?

Baseball fans are mostly OK with the idea of robot umps

Posted on July 21, 2022 by Charles Kuffner

So says a poll, so it must be true. MLB fans, it may be time to welcome your robot overlords. Baseball is known for its long-standing traditions, unwritten rules about players’ on-field conduct and a fan base that skews older … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The robo-umps are coming

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Not right away, but you can see it from here. Computer plate umpires could be called up to the major leagues at some point during the next five seasons. Umpires agreed to cooperate with Major League Baseball in the development … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

How different would baseball be, if baseball were different?

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

We’re about to find out. Baseball’s potential future will be showcased in the independent Atlantic League this year, and it includes robot umpires, a 62-foot, 6-inch distance between the pitcher’s mound and home plate, and no infield shifting. Those three … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

MLB adopts expanded instant replay

Posted on January 18, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Excellent. Baseball’s replay age has finally dawned, thanks to Thursday’s unanimous approval by owners of what commissioner Bud Selig called a “historic” expansion of replay to correct missed calls. The new system, which will go into effect this season, will … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on MLB adopts expanded instant replay

Calling a ball a ball and a strike a strike

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Bobby Valentine says that’s the way he wants it. A day after being ejected, Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine was still steamed about umpiring, and said technology should be used to eliminate human error in calling balls and strikes. … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Calling a ball a ball and a strike a strike

Forget the “human element”, just get it right

Posted on October 29, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Regarding the debate over instant replay in baseball, two facts are incontrovertible. One, the umps have really been blowing some calls lately. I mean, Joe Mauer’s ground rule double to left in Yankee Stadium that Phil Cuzzi ruled foul even … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | Tagged , , | 1 Comment