Once in a while, baseball fans are subject to moments that will change the game for ever. Recently, for better or worse, these fans have seen things that baseball's forefathers may have never dreamed of; Barry Bonds destroying the All-Time Home Run Record, the steroid scandal rocking the game to its core, a no hitter pitched by a cancer survivor, the list goes on.
Now, it seems, baseball fans will exhibit another change to the game; Instant Replay.
Baseball Officials have determined that human error, once considered to be a beautiful part of the game, is no longer going to be a factor in the game. Instant replay will now be used to determine "boundary home run calls".
It is with much displeasure that the staff here at 108 Red Stitches has come to accept the fact that technology has once again stuck its ugly head into America's Pastime.
We have only one comment to add, a suggestion per say. We're hoping that baseball puts more thought into the process and technology used to aid in the replays than they did when they began to install the QuesTec cameras throughout Major League Stadiums.
Baseball to Impliment Instant Replay
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I personally love the dynamic between umps, players, and coaches and players' skill in learning how an ump calls a zone. However, the big calls must be made correctly, otherwise it is a drag for both teams. "Winners" don't want to skate by on a blown call, and losers carry that with them forever. I think reviewing of "boundary home run calls" should be allowed, but the # of challenges should be limited to keep the game fast paced and as traditional as possible. I love the debates between fans who make their own calls from the stadium or just watching games on TV. I recently started representing Sharp which is the official HDTV of MLB because its technology specially geared for the sport, and I must say, baseball in HD is amazing. No blurring, great contrast-ie more advantage in arguing for the right call and making the right call. With technology what it is today, it would be a shame to have championships lost on a bad call, however its use should be limited.
Unfortunately, I think this is just another action that will ruin the game of baseball. Just like Interleague play and the DH, it's only for casual fans.
I understand instant replay to correct home run calls, but what's to stop from moving on from there?
Are you to say that home runs effect the game more than a blown stolen base call?
Why are we drawing lines in the sand here? The great thing about baseball is its allotment for human error.