MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, during an exclusive interview with FOXBusiness’ Maria Bartiromo, discusses the sign-stealing scandal, the use of technology, and robot umpires.
Three strikes and the robot says “you’re out.”
Major League Baseball is experimenting with new technology that calls balls and strikes through a “camera-based” system.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo during an exclusive interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the new system would reduce controversy and boost accuracy in the game.
“We think it’s more accurate than a human being standing there,” he said.
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The design of the strike zone is three-dimensional which, according to Manfred, a camera is better at analyzing than the human eye.
Home plate umpire Brian deBrauwere huddles behind Freedom Division catcher James Skelton at the Atlantic League All-Star minor league baseball game, Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in York, Pa. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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So how does it work?
According to Manfred, the camera makes a call which is then communicated to an umpire through an earpiece for announcement.
“From the fan’s perspective, it looks exactly like it looks today,” he said.
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Manfred said the new tech was already tested out in the Atlantic League and will be used during spring training.