One of the challenges showed the pitch was 2.5” off the plate. Ump had called it a strike.

so couldn't see it.



Was it either of the two successful challenges by Cleveland in the first inning that set-up the Manzardo grand slam?

That was cooler than the underside of a pillow.

Manzardo’s nickname-Manzo-They are giving away a bobblehead this summer in Cleveland of him in Mandalorian armor and holding a helmet. It will be labeled “The Manzalorian.”

It's not perfect, but it does seem to correct calls well. It also exposes which players really know the strike zone.

so if the catcher sets up toward the inside part of the plate, the ump's angle to see the plate gets forced to the side significantly. They are always a little soft on the outside pitches anyway, and the position of the catcher can make it more difficult for them.

They are also looking down toward the plate, which can distort their angle of vision on the top/bottom of the zone, especially on tall or shorter batters.

The automated system helps correct these built in error opportunities. Statistically, the umps are actually pretty accurate given the challenges of the job, overall, but I'm still a fan of the challenge system.

And the challenges are decided lightning fast so they are not a distraction.

But my question is this: how long until it is expanded, or until umpires are all but gone from the game?

Do you think that will ever happen?

Umpires belong to a union, right? I wonder what the union would have to say about that.

and have absolute and unquestioned control of play -- gamesmanship, rain delays, forfeits, etc. There are judgment calls on the bases too that are often too close to call via replay or if the camera is blocked. There should always be a need for a crew of some kind.

And now love them.

Watch this clip. The ump must be feeling rather foolish.

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

Then I realized I know squat about what is needed to make it work. Any help?

The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system—often referred to as "robot umpires"—was not used during the Padres-Diamondbacks Mexico City series (April 25-26, 2026) because Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú lacked the necessary infrastructure, specifically the specialized 12 Hawk-Eye cameras and T-Mobile private 5G network required to track the pitch location precisely.

Sports Illustrated

But I guess the lack of T-Mobile private 5G network thingy made it a nonstarter.

I really like this ABS thingy.