Major League Baseball recently showcased its automated ball-strike system (ABS) at the annual Futures Game. While instant replay review has already introduced technology into umpires’ calls, the concept of “robot umps” taking over ball and strike calls is a whole new level. Throughout baseball’s history, the definition of a ball or strike has always been subjective, varying from umpire to umpire. Umpires have been responsible for determining their own strike zones for over a century, with Ron Luciano being one of the most colorful personalities in the profession.
In his book, “The Umpire Strikes Back,” Luciano humorously admitted his preference for a high strike over a low one. As he gained weight, he favored an even higher strike, as bending down to call a low strike was not enjoyable for him. Luciano revealed the challenges of umpiring, stating that calling 250 to 300 ball and strike calls per game, many of which are extremely close, can be trying. He even trusted certain catchers to make calls for him on bad days, ensuring he had reliable assistance.
The introduction of robot umps would not only eliminate the need for human ball-and-strike calls but also render the art of framing pitches by catchers irrelevant. Luciano recalled how catchers would try to cheat by quickly moving their glove after catching the ball to make it appear like a strike. Umpires despised such actions, as they caught on to these attempts.
Despite his love for birding, Luciano had no fondness for manager Earl Weaver of the Baltimore Orioles, which led to numerous blowouts between the two. Luciano even threw Weaver out of both games of a doubleheader, showcasing the tension between them. Luciano also touched on Weaver’s attempt at instant replay challenges, where monitors were placed in the clubhouse to review close plays and determine if Weaver should argue with the umpire.
Instant replay challenges may have been absent during Luciano’s time, but they could still make an umpire’s life difficult. Luciano recalled a play where he called out a base runner, only for the replay on the scoreboard to show that he was wrong. Confused, Luciano tried to explain that he saw the real play but not the one shown on the scoreboard.
Luciano confirmed that pitchers with good control received the benefit of the doubt on close pitches, while hitters with good batting eyes, like Rod Carew, would also receive favorable calls. The reputation and skill of a hitter played a role in how umpires called balls and strikes.
At the Futures Game, players were able to challenge called balls or strikes using the ABS system, bringing a courtroom-like verdict to baseball. This season, MLB is experimenting with the ABS system at all Class AAA stadiums, alternating between full ABS and the player challenge version.
While baseball has traditionally resisted change, the introduction of robot umps may mark another evolution for the sport. Umpires have been defining their own strike zones for 150 years, but the human element could soon be eliminated. Ron Luciano, a unique and humorous umpire from the past, reflected on the changes in the game during his career, leaving us to wonder what the future holds for the sport.
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