A challenge system using a “robot referee” was introduced in the minor leagues and the Arizona Fall League.
The strike ball challenge system introduced in MLB’s minor leagues and the Arizona Fall League has been well received by players. The new system, which can be said to be “between a robot and a human,” has been praised not only for its accuracy, but also for its speed of judgment and entertainment, saying that it is “quick and effective” and “very fun.”
This challenge system utilizes an automatic ball strike system (ABS) called “robot referee”. The umpire-in-chief will still call strikes and balls as before, but pitchers, catchers and hitters will have the right to challenge the ABS system. Each team will be given the right to challenge three times per game, and if they succeed, they can keep the right. If there is a challenge, the judgment is immediately confirmed using the video analysis system “Hawkeye”. The footage of Hawkeye can also be seen by spectators in the stadium.
MLB official introduces the voices of players who actually experienced the system in the article “New Automatic Ball Strike System Hits in Arizona Fall League”. Brewers outfielder Tyler Black said, “I think he’s been doing a great job. So far, I’ve been loving it. The biggest thing is that he’s quick and effective. Putting footage on the scoreboard. The place is cool.
Red Sox infielder Nick York also revealed the state of the players who are enthusiastic regarding the whereregardings of the judgment, saying, “It’s a lot of fun. When someone challenges, everyone gets into it.” It was also pointed out that a new strategic element was added, such as when to use the limited challenge right of 3 times.
In the Arizona Fall League, the system was used in a total of 15 games this year, with an average of 4.4 challenges per game (2.47 from hitters, 1.93 from pitchers and catchers), with one-third (33.33) successful. %). The success rate for hitters was 35%, compared to 31% for pitchers and catchers.
The league has many prospects who are close to the majors, and the article mentions that they “gained a lot of support” from future major leaguers. “The ABS challenge system is not part of the rule changes coming in 2023, but it is a possibility in future seasons,” it concludes. It will be interesting to see if the day will come when majors and NPB will introduce it in the near future.
(Full-Count editorial department)