"A blown strike call can decide a win or a loss, a championship or long and sad off-season. This year, Major League Baseball has introduced a new system to help improve the accuracy of ball-and-strike calls."
"The 'robots' are actually a camera system called ABS, or 'Automated Ball-Strike.' The system is similar to missile-guidance technology, and can pinpoint a ball's location with startling accuracy."
"Back in 2023, 99% Invisible first covered this story, when the ABS system was introduced in baseball's minor leagues. Now, with its arrival in the MLB, we revisit that story."
In Major League Baseball, umpires are responsible for calling balls and strikes, with the home plate umpire having a crucial role. A study revealed umpires make about 14 incorrect calls per game, totaling 34,000 errors annually. These mistakes can significantly impact game outcomes. To enhance accuracy, MLB has implemented a camera system known as the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, allowing players to appeal human calls. This technology, similar to missile-guidance systems, accurately determines a ball's location and was previously tested in minor leagues before its MLB introduction.
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