Automated Ball-Strike System Debuts at MLB All-Star Game | JQJO

Major League Baseball (MLB) will utilize its automated ball-strike (ABS) system during next week's All-Star Game in Atlanta. This serves as a trial run for potential full implementation in 2024. Each team receives two challenges, initiated by a player (pitcher, catcher, or hitter) immediately after a pitch. Spring training data showed 72% of fans positively received ABS, and 69% favored its permanent inclusion. While player opinions were mixed, a challenge system is preferred over automatic calls. The Hawk-Eye system, using T-Mobile's 5G network, provides instant pitch analysis for umpire reviews.