Robot Umpires: Is This the Future of Baseball?

By Frankie Wallace
Updated: July 26, 2019

This year, the independent Atlantic League introduced a TrackMan computer system that some believe could replace the role of human umpires. During the league’s all-star game in York, Pennsylvania on July 10, a computer system recorded balls and strikes, then relayed the information to the umpire to make the calls. For quite some time, robots have been used to evaluate and measure umpire decisions after the fact, but this is the first instance in which machines actively played a part in the umpire role.

While some expressed skepticism about this, there’s potential for this technology to become the standard. The Atlantic League, as it turns out, is employing this technology as part of an agreement with Major League Baseball. If the MLB is considering the use of these robots, then it’s worth asking if there is something to the idea.

However, what does this mean for human umpires? The use of robotics technology across different industries has unfortunately seen automation and artificial intelligence replace workers. Thus, umpires and other roles within professional baseball could hypothetically become obsolete. What would this do to the game of baseball? Is there still room for human regulation within the game in the future?

The Power of Robot Accuracy Makes Them Attractive in Baseball

Technology is often created not just to automate or quicken human roles, but to increase efficiency within certain tasks. In the case of automation robots, their use has greatly decreased the chance for human error, as seen most notably by their use in surgical suites. It only follows that everybody would want a piece of that pie, including professional baseball leagues.

This doesn’t mean that these machines are perfect, of course. Just as the occasional self-driving car accident will still pop up in headlines, it’s wise to assume the same will occur within professional sports. But certainly the accuracy in which balls, strikes, and stats are measured could be improved with the help of technology.

While the Atlantic League’s robot umpires are currently dominating the headlines across sports-related news, predictions of this instance could have easily been made beforehand. Study after study has proven robots more accurate and efficient than the human eye, and one study reported that there was only a .26% overlap between what the two focus on. If humans have that much of a perspective disadvantage to automated cameras, then it may mean that people will be switched out for them.

Data Technology Is Already Paving the Way in Sports

Data has been paving the way forward in professional sports for some time. IData is already determining the game’s popularity and how teams train. For instance, professional sports teams often watch replays to correct habitual mistakes and size up the competition.

In baseball, data has been historically instrumental in scouting, training, and stats recording. But even the promotion of the sport is dependent on data technology. Marketing is dependent on what viewers and fans respond best to, and major media moguls like ESPN use this data to decide what replay clips will be covered and what games to air.

However, inserting technology into traditional roles — such as that of an umpire — is not a concept all sports fans are okay with. Some of the calls in the Atlantic all-star game were met with mixed feelings, and some players spoke up to express concerns about the humanity of the sport being stripped away. But to the MLB and the Atlantic League, the pros may outweigh the cons.

Will the Future See Robot Umpires Become Commonplace in the MLB?

Speculating about whether or not robot umpires will be commonplace within the MLB is a guessing game, but observing the potential and reach of automation and AI doesn’t make it seem unlikely. Considering controversy that often happens within sports due to shoddy calls, an accurate automated reading could certainly change the game (no pun intended). It could additionally instill faith in Major League Baseball, as well as minor league teams that baseball fans often support locally.

Having less to fight over could also deplete the sentimental value behind team loyalty. The sense of purpose felt by a loyal sports fan could fade with less potential error to stand against. If automated readings deplete the passion people feel for a game or a team, then viewership may dwindle.

However, sportful fans of the game may find these machines improve the game as well, even if they threaten the job security of those in certain roles. With data’s place in sports and robots’ ability to accurately collect information, it’s probable that traditional roles within the game will change. Unless sports fans overwhelmingly have something to say about it, the acceleration of technology in sports will continue.