using equipmet to call balls and strikes

[beachbum]

this probably sounds strange, but has MLB ever considered using technology to call balls and strikes? when watching on TV, it is easy to see that there is sufficient technology to m ake the calls. the Ump's could be used for eveything else.

[umpduck11]

Why would they want to ? Simply because the technology exists ? The technology for cloning humans exists, too, but I think that is a bad idea, also.

[beachbum]

I didn't say they would want to, I just wondered if they had ever considered it.

[tip184]

Originally Posted by umpduck11

Why would they want to ? Simply because the technology exists ? The technology for cloning humans exists, too, but I think that is a bad idea, also.

We will be cloning humans eventually.

[SAump]

Warning: just fantasy rambling here.

Attach wireless HD cam inside umpire helmet.
Relay real-time signal to laptop or camcorder.
Develop software package to keeps stats of each pitch.
Review real pitch by pitch data w/ fast search option.
Practice w/ missed pitches in video game similation mode.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by beachbum

when watching on TV, it is easy to see that there is sufficient technology to m ake the calls.

Your premise is invalid.

[BEAREF]

I think they should use pitching machines and do away with pitchers myself.

[Rcichon]

Originally Posted by SAump

Warning: just fantasy rambling here.

Attach wireless HD cam inside umpire helmet.
Relay real-time signal to laptop or camcorder.
Develop software package to keeps stats of each pitch.
Review real pitch by pitch data w/ fast search option.
Practice w/ missed pitches in video game similation mode.

one step further:

Lookthru LCD inside HSM for HUD, dual HD, HS CCD cameras mounted on either side of the HSM, fed thru a wireless G-LAN connection to a high speed database for instantaneous analysis and call rendering back to the Umpire's HUD display within 20 mS.

Of course, a Replay Official could have access to this system inside the Broadcast Booth in order to override an erroneous call instantly, judge fair/foul/HR, etc.

[beachbum]

Actually ,i just wondered if anyone ever read anything that said MLB thought about or experimented with technology to call balls and strikes. Or that they considered appeals with instant replay.

Football and basketball now have instant replay.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by beachbum

Football and basketball now have instant replay.

So does baseball, on certain plays.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by beachbum

Actually ,i just wondered if anyone ever read anything that said MLB thought about or experimented with technology to call balls and strikes. Or that they considered appeals with instant replay.

Football and basketball now have instant replay.

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

So does baseball, on certain plays.

Plus, many plays in basketball and football are not subject to review. There are just some things better left to human reasoning. Balls and strikes are certainly one of them. I'd love to see the machine call a check swing or a HBP that just brushes the uniform.

"If they did get a machine to replace us, you know what would happen to it? Why, the players would bust it to pieces every time it ruled against them. They'd clobber it with a bat." - National League Umpire Harry Wendelstadt