“Robot umpires” debut in independent Atlantic League
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 07: Home plate umpire Jose Navas punches out Taylor Trammell #7 of the National League after he tried to steal home during the fourth inning against the American League team during the All-Stars Futures Game at Progressive Field on July 07, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The American and National League teams tied 2-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Robot Umpires Debut In Atlantic League
Could baseball umps get added to the list of jobs that will become obsolete thanks to automation? The future is apparently now as “robot umpires” had their debut.
The independent Atlantic league let computers tally the balls and strikes at their All-Star Game on Wednesday night, with plate umpire Brian deBrauwere overseeing from behind the catcher.
deBrauwere, who listened via an iPhone connected earpiece, still signaled the calls, as the system isn’t foolproof just yet.
Once ready to go, the radar-tracking technology will be rolled out across the league over the next few weeks, says President Rick White.
Sign me up for the ESPN Southwest Florida email newsletter!
You love listening to ESPN Southwest Florida, now make sure you’re getting all the extra perks. Sign up today to be an ESPN Southwest Florida Insider!
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.