Baseball Reflections

The Rise of Automation in the Baseball Industry

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It’s hard to imagine life without many of the technologies we have come to depend upon. Things such as the computer and cell phone are two of the most major ones in recent times. In many ways, they have already made our lives considerably easier and more organized, which allows us to enjoy more of the finer things in life. 

As you sit at home and enjoy a game of America’s favorite pastime on television, it is hard to think back and imagine what the game was originally like. Sure, the basic formula of balls, strikes, batters, and fielders hasn’t changed much. But thanks to major technological advances, the way the game is run has changed drastically over the years. 

These drastic changes are largely a result of advances in technology that have allowed for the automation of all sorts of things, including baseball. Many aspects of automation have allowed for greater precision and accuracy in critical calls within the game. However, some critics argue that it has removed the human factor from the sport and made it almost robotic. 

Positives of Automation

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in baseball to do all sorts of things is growing rapidly. Today, it is involved in nearly every aspect of the game from scouting new players, to training, to watching health outcomes, all the way to fan-game interactions. To think this is the same game your great grandpa was watching is a folly. 

As many of those in favor of these changes would argue, things such as automation give players a more fair shot by removing any human error or bias. Take, for example, the technologies that are being developed to automatically determine balls and strikes and collect a lot of other statistical information about every pitch. A system called TrackMan is currently being installed in many Atlantic League stadiums, which will record all of this information and more. 

Some players within the league look forward to this opportunity because all of the data collected could help them increase their likelihood of being seen and recruited for an MLB team. These types of advances could help to identify quality players early and give them greater opportunities than they may have otherwise gotten. AI in this realm can help recruiters and coaches build far stronger teams than ever before. 

Negatives of Automation

Of course, there are also a number of negative sides to all of this automation. For instance, by strictly using AI to recruit new players, teams are losing some of the more human or unique qualities that can make players household names amongst fans. Some argue that by using only AI, we are funneling only a certain type of player and skill set into the league, and not leaving any room for creativity or development. 

When it comes to the idea of automating behind the plate ball and strike calls, some worry that we are on the verge of losing a real human touch. For instance, on television, viewers are now able to see a ball/strike box for every pitch. With that and instant replay, viewers may think they have a better reason to rage at umpires who make unfair calls. 

These changes in automation behind the plate may eventually rule out the need for umpires back there at all. Although supporters of the tech defend it by claiming it will simply provide umpires with more accurate information, it is uncertain if that will actually be the case when push comes to shove. For the time being, the tech is still being perfected — accuracy isn’t quite at a professional level yet. 

Beyond Baseball

Outside of baseball, one way that automation is likely to visibly impact our lives in the somewhat near future is through advances in self-driving car technologies. Many people wonder if these cars are actually safe, but many experts believe that in the next handful of years, science will have advanced far enough to allow these vehicles on the open road. Nearly every major industry is likely to be impacted by these changes. 

Instances such as self-driving cars make it clear, automation is happening all over the place, whether we realize it or not. There are three general technologies that are playing a role here: data analytics, cloud computing, and machine learning. Much like in the rest of the business world, all three are being employed in some manner or another in baseball. 

In the baseball world, all three are changing the way the game is played. Most recently, headlines are talking about the potential to no longer need umpires behind the plate. But the tech has already had an impact on who is being recruited and how fans are interacting with the game. Who knows what else the future of technology will bring for the sport.

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  1. Pingback: Mobile Tech for Baseball Fans: Recent Trends - Baseball Reflections

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