The independent Atlantic League will continue its use of automated ball-strike technology, first used in the league’s All-Star Game earlier this month, for the rest of the regular season.
Fans can see the robs-ump technology in action starting Thursday, July 25 at games hosted by the High Point Rockers, Lancaster Barnstormers and Long Island Ducks.
“This is a landmark day for the Atlantic League and professional baseball,” said Atlantic League President Rick White. “After successfully unveiling the ABS at our All-Star Game in York, Pa., and following positive feedback from managers, players, umpires and fans, we are eager to implement the consistent strike zone accuracy offered by ABS technology.”
Throughout the second half of the Atlantic League season, home plate umpires will be assisted calling balls and strikes by the ABS, which utilizes radar technology to provide a reliable, precise, “rule-book” strike zone for pitchers and hitters. Umpires will use their judgement for limited ball-strike issues such as check swings, while continuing to perform their other normal duties.
The use of the Trackman automated ball-strike technology is part of the three-year partnership between MLB and ALPB, which tests experimental playing rules and equipment initiatives throughout the Atlantic League’s regular season.
Before this season began, the independent Atlantic League announced a three-year agreement with Major League Baseball to effectively serve as a testing ground for various rule and equipment changes being explored by MLB.
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