As a baseball fan, the thought of this sucks.
Now that it's reality (in a trial/pilot form), it really sucks.
NEW YORK (AP) — Get ready for strikes by robots.
No, overworked machines aren't walking out in a labor protest.
Computers will be used for ball/strike calls starting April 25 in the independent Atlantic League, where the distance between home and first will be shortened by 3 inches.
Plate umpires will wear earpieces and be informed of ball/strike calls by a TrackMan computer system that uses Doppler radar. Umps will have the ability to override the computer, which considers a pitch a strike when the ball bounces and then crosses the zone. TrackMan also does not evaluate check swings.
(full story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2019/03/08/computer-to-call-balls-and-strikes-in-minor-league/39168743/)
Yes, I understand this is just a pilot.
And yes, I understand this is just an independent league rather than an official MLB minor league.
But, I know if this thing proves to be a success, it won't be long until "you know what".
Don't spoil the beauty of the game -- and the fun of an occasional missed call.
NO ROBOTS IN BASEBALL!
Grace & Peace & Love to you all -
Matt
p.s. more on this subject...... an article from 2016: