Can technology replace humans? While this argument is yet to be over, MLB is the latest entity to accept the phenomenon. Yes, the human umpire standing behind the catcher is going to be a thing of the past very soon. MLB is now ready to implement robot umpire in the major league games as early as next year. Why? To increase umpiring efficiency and offer an opportunity for the players to challenge the decisions. Well, veteran Max Scherzer thinks otherwise.

Playing for the Blue Jays this year, Max Scherzer seems frustrated with robo-umpire and voiced his support for keeping the human touch. Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS), the official name of the new technology has been in use for the last 4 years in the minor league. Now the technology is all set to be used in the major games and the buzz is rampant. So, will ABS change MLB for good or vice versa? Is the concept of a human umpire altogether becoming a thing of the past? 

Max Scherzer is against robo-umpire 

When other sports are accepting newer technologies to enhance overall efficiency, why not MLB? For reference, VAR technology in soccer has changed the existing status quo and offers better judgment. For MLB, the Automated Ball-Strike System, which could come into play as early as 2026 could aid MLB home plate umpires, but not replace them. The very first concern about using a robot umpire was whether the human umpire would be replaced. Now that issue is resolved. However, is it still necessary to disrupt the status quo involving the human umpire? Max Scherzer thinks so!

“We’re humans. Can we just be judged by humans?” Scherzer said after having a spring training outing with ABS. Well, as per baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, the human umpire will still be there on the field but aided with ABS. Hence, the probability of wrong decisions made due to human error can be significantly reduced. For the unversed, one survey of Boston University reveals that in 2018, MLB umpires made 34,294 incorrect ball and strike calls for an average of 14 per game or 1.6 per inning. Bringing efficiency is what MLB is looking for, by implementing robot umpire.

Will MLB change for good?

While Scherzer opined against the implementation, the question is will the implementation of robot umpire will change MLB for good. Scherzer also added that he didn’t see much of an issue with actual human umpires making calls like it has always been. Baseball, since its inception, has been all about the right and wrong calls of the umpire, which might hold the true essence of the sport. Scherzer is all against disrupting this essence. Well, evolution is the game of nature, and there’s nothing wrong with embracing the future.

With ABS, each team will challenge two calls per game. A challenge must be made within 2 seconds, and the graphic of the pitch and strike zone will be shown on the scoreboard and broadcast feed. The umpire then announces the updated count.

That’s offering more authority on the players, and a reduction in the probability of wrong calls. The ABS thus could improve accuracy and reduce human error, albeit at a cost of nostalgia. While Max Scherzer is right about preserving the true essence of baseball, accepting change is inevitable. 

The robot umpire could come into play in the major games from next year. Fans can expect a new way of experiencing the games. Time will answer if the concept finds acceptance or not.

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