All-Star Game to Test New Tech for Fairer Calls

Major League Baseball is bringing a new tech tool to the All-Star Game in Atlanta. This tool is called the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. It helps umpires make better calls on balls and strikes. The league is testing it during the All-Star Game to see if it should be used in all games next year. The ABS system is not new. It was used during spring training. Teams get two chances to challenge a call. Only the pitcher, catcher, or batter can ask for a challenge. They must do it right after the pitch by tapping their hat or helmet. No help from the dugout is allowed. Fans seem to like the ABS system. A survey showed that 72% of fans had a positive experience with it during spring training. 69% want it to stay. Only 10% had negative thoughts about it. Players have mixed feelings about the ABS system. They prefer the challenge system over the tech making every call. The league's competition committee will meet later this summer to decide if ABS will be used next season. The system uses advanced technology to track the pitch and show if it was a ball or a strike. The ABS system uses the Hawk-Eye technology. It tracks the pitch's path and shows if it's in the strike zone. The home plate umpire then makes the final call. The system is powered by T-Mobile's 5G network, which is also a sponsor of the 2025 Home Run Derby on ESPN. The All-Star Game will be played at Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday. The ABS system is a big step for baseball. It aims to make the game fairer and more accurate. Fans and players will be watching to see how it works during the All-Star Game. The league's decision will impact the future of baseball.