During spring training, the MLB “tested” the “RoboUmp” alongside the normal human play calling umpires.
Called an ABS – Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System, it will allow teams to challenge a few calls each game to ensure the ball/strike call was correct; however, only the pitcher, catcher, or batter will be allowed to make the challenge.
T-Mobile’s Business’ Advanced Network Solutions will operate the private 5G network for the ABS Challenge System.
The Hawk-Eye technology will monitor every pitch in the background and will be able to instantaneously provide information on the accuracy of the pitch.
Unlike calls under review, an ABS challenge will be shown on the in stadium video board for everyone to see whether the call was accurate.
With only a couple of challenges per game, teams must be judicious with their choices to challenge.
MLB Commissioner Bob Mandred issued a statement on the ruling saying, “the previous rule changes that have been adopted by the Joint Competition Committee have had staying power and created momentum for the game. We used the same process with ABS that started with listening to fans, conducting extensive testing at the Minor League level, and trying at every step to make the game better. Throughout this process we have worked on deploying the system in a way that’s acceptable to players. The strong preference from players for the Challenge format over using the technology to call every pitch was a key factor in determining the system we are announcing today.”
Considered a middle ground between so-called “robot umps” that could call every ball and strike and the long-standing tradition of the natural human error that comes with human umps, the ABS Challenge System gives teams the opportunity to request a quick review of some of the most important ball-strike calls in a given game.”
The system has been in play in all minor league games for the past couple of seasons.