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The most controversial part about baseball right now is the inconsistency in calls from the umpires across the MLB.
We’ve seen plenty of managers blow up on the umps this season, as there have been some tremendously brutal calls.
However, the league is trying out some new things in the Minors. Robot umpires have been tested nearly everywhere and many believe that is the future of the Majors.
But it turns out, there is a challenge system the minors are testing and it’s so smooth, MLB fans are wondering why it’s not being used in the Majors right now.
YouTuber MA2tv shares numerous clips of minor league baseball providing insight on what’s going on. He has plenty of footage of this challenge system and it make so much sense.
Watch a few of them below and get a better understanding of how this challenge system works. The first video is the one that has gone viral on Twitter.
There’s no reason why this can’t be in MLB next season pic.twitter.com/1CTNObnFMu
— Dom (@BronxBmbrz) July 2, 2023
Here is another example.
I mean. Just look at how quick this process is.
In this clip, the batter violates a rule, making his appeal null and void. Apparently, the batter is not allowed to look back at his dugout before appealing.
And here’s an example of the batter losing his appeal.
To further explain what you’re seeing, the Minors are using the robot umps as a secondary option, but only if the batters don’t like the call.
It’s likely that each team has a certain number of appeals they can use throughout the game. That way, batters aren’t challenging every single strike/ball call.
It’s fast, efficient, and keeps the game moving along. Plenty of MLB fans are ready for the majors to adopt this system.
Yes , Yes and Hell to Mfing Yes please
— Leroy Bronx Bomber (@KurtHun71925894) July 3, 2023
Just a little more information of how it works.
They get 3 a game, whether used on offense or defense. Successful use retains the challenge.
— Matthew Cole 👨🏻💻 (@__colematt) July 3, 2023
Should the MLB have been doing this all along?
Wait what? This is dope.
— Kiel Rucker (@yosoykiel) July 3, 2023
And of course, some fans wonder if umpires are even needed behind the plate anymore.
Why stop at challenges? If its that quick then we’re ready for robo umps lol
— Sleepy Pat (@305_pastelito) July 3, 2023
That’s a fair question.
What’s the point of the umpire at all then?
— Mike Champion (@_MikeChampion_) July 3, 2023
For now, rumors are a bit all over the place when it comes to robot umps and the MLB. The Majors seem a bit hesitant to remove the natural umpires from behind the plate.
So, maybe this challenge system is what the Majors would prefer to use.
Either way, it has some serious potential to help clean up the game.