This upcoming spring training has a surprise up its sleeve. An automatic ball strike system or “ABS” has been recently adopted. Major League Baseball has been implementing changes like increasing the base size or adding a pitch clock, but their newest addition is still in testing.
The minor leagues have been using this new system for some time now. The system creates a unique computer-generated strike zone for each player. Specifically, it takes the width of home plate, which is 17 inches, and a percentage of the player’s height to determine how tall the strike zone should be. For example, Jose Altuve and Aaron Judge will have different height-wise strike zones. The system then uses cameras and sensors all around the stadium to accurately determine if the pitch is a ball or a strike for each batter. The system is so advanced that just last week, a pitch was called a strike by the seams of the baseball. Finally, it will be used in around 60% of spring-training games and will be analyzed for possible use in the 2026 MLB season.
The usage of the system, however, is governed by certain rules. Each team is allotted two challenges each. Only the pitcher, catcher, or batter can challenge the pitch. They must do it promptly without deliberation or help from their dugout. All they have to do is tap the top of their head twice, and the challenge is requested. The umpire then declares a challenge, and the call is made within seconds. So far, the system is very efficient and successful, and it is easy for the fans to follow as the system’s output is shown on the TV broadcast and the jumbotron. If the team wins the challenge, then they get to retain it. If they are not successful, then they lose one of their two challenges.
This system could very well be the future of the MLB. Every year, people argue about umpires and their calls, but now a robot can make the right call 100% of the time. Some say it takes the tradition out of baseball, but it makes the playing field more even without having to account for human error. Also, if this system is implemented in the major leagues, it will not take over the role of the umpire, but only assist them in making the right call. In summary, America’s pastime is moving into the future with the adoption of technological advancements.
