Instant Replay?

[SRW]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/APW...D8LE2I300.html

I know it's baseball, but some interesting stats at the bottom of the article:

Baseball also revealed a number of statistics on umpires. The Questec computer system, used in 11 ballparks, said 94.91 percent of ball-strike calls were correct, up from 94.20 percent in 2005. That represents a decline from 8.65 to 7.64 missed pitches per game.

[DaveASA/FED]

I would say that is pretty darn good! 95% (rounded off) is pretty good. And I bet you the ones that were off weren't off that darn much, they were hittable get to swinging!!!!!!

[CecilOne]

Or does it prove that the computer system incorrectly identified 5%?

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Or does it prove that the computer system incorrectly identified 5%?

Good point. I'd like to see the computer analysis broken down by pitcher. THAT would be interesting.

[tcannizzo]

I am not a big fan of instant replay in any sport. But I think there is one place in softball that it could be useful; and it ain't the strike zone.

I would not object to cameras at home plate to determine whether the batter was out of the box at the time of making contact with the ball. There isn't a set of eyes on the field that can possible make this call. PU has to watch the ball, BU doesn't have a chance. This would be a clear case where an extra set of eyes would prove beneficial to the game and would not be a threat to the umpires. Was the foot down and completely out of the box? Yes or No. As an umpire, I would actually welcome this in the game. No, I would not expect it to ever happen for obvious reasons. But, we know there are a large number of no-calls due to it can't be seen.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

I am not a big fan of instant replay in any sport. But I think there is one place in softball that it could be useful; and it ain't the strike zone.

I would not object to cameras at home plate to determine whether the batter was out of the box at the time of making contact with the ball. There isn't a set of eyes on the field that can possible make this call. PU has to watch the ball, BU doesn't have a chance. This would be a clear case where an extra set of eyes would prove beneficial to the game and would not be a threat to the umpires. Was the foot down and completely out of the box? Yes or No. As an umpire, I would actually welcome this in the game. No, I would not expect it to ever happen for obvious reasons. But, we know there are a large number of no-calls due to it can't be seen.

I disagree that there is ever any need for instant replay to be used in the game. This call can be made, I have made it several times, but the infraction has to be obvious for me to do so. But, isn't that the way it is with any call?