Robot Umpires (or at least their tech-savvy human counterparts)

[jay]

Excellent piece by Ben Lindbergh from Grantland on the continued evolution of technology and umpiring. I'm keen to the idea mentioned of enabling umpires with real-time feedback from PitchF/X. The home plate umpire would retain final say on balls and strikes along with the full suite of other responsibilities they handle. Any other views?

 

Also included, a link to the scientific study demonstrating the accuracy of PitchF/X (which some here have questioned).

 

Ben Lindbergh on the possibility of machines replacing umpires - Grantland

[Riverbrian]

I'm in full support of Robot Umpires. I think the Home Plate Umpire should be replaced entirely by a Robot System.

 

The Reason I fully support this... is not for accuracy. I fully support it because I want to see Gardy argue with one. I'm all for the entertainment.

[zchrz]

Anytime I hear the robotic umpires thing it makes me think of this old Hunter Thompson article. Obviously it is in jest but dammit this would be entertaining as all hell to watch. ESPN.com: Page 2 : Baseball has become unruly

[Craig Arko]

Only if the robot umpires are like the one from Lost in Space.

 

"Danger, Oswaldo Arcia! Breaking ball approaching!"

[Ultima Ratio]

Great article! I love the hybrid idea implementing small LED lights in the umps mask indicating only to him whether the pitch was a ball or strike. Actually, you only need one light -- a strike light. Ump still gets the final say but has another set of eyes to get the bottom and outside corner balls and strikes correct. Do it now.

[ashbury]

Only if the robot umpires are like the one from Lost in Space.

 

"Danger, Oswaldo Arcia! Breaking ball approaching!"

 

Players will need to be careful not to utter either of the two "magic words" lest they get run: Bubblehead and Booby.