Instant replay in baseball, good idea or no, whats your opinion?

Question

I am all in favor of it, to many times umps get it wrong, I would like it on everything from balls and strikes, to out and safe, to fair and foul.

Answer 1

Evidently, we have come to a crossroads in professional baseball with regards to the quality of umpiring in the league. It is no secret that the quality of umpiring has declined considerably over the past twenty years. In fact I would have to say that umpiring in Major League Baseball has become nothing short of atrocious, and not just behind home plate, but in the field as well.

Within the past few seasons, a new technology was implemented to monitor an umpire’s performance as he called balls and strikes behind the plate. “QuesTec” as it is known, has had its share of proponents as well as those who have adamantly rejected it and prayed for its demise. To say the least, most umpires despise it when they are subjected to it while calling a game. They tend towards calling a much “tighter” game when they know “Big Brother” is watching. I’ve also noticed that there are more confrontations between managers and umpires when QuesTec is present.

However, I have always felt that the onset of this technology was brought about simply because the parameters of calling balls and strikes lacked consistency between the two leagues. For years, National League umpires have been accused of having a more lenient or relaxed strike zone. On the other hand, American League umpires are known for their tighter strike zones.

But what do you do when that human element has become so questionable that it becomes necessary to introduce technology such as QuesTec? Would it be a surprise to anyone that today’s major league umpires are insulted by the use of QuesTec? How do you think they will react to instant replay reversing one of their decisions on the field? Since the big issues here are credibility and integrity, there is not a doubt in my mind (unfortunately) that Major League Baseball has no choice but to introduce the use of instant replay.

Answer 2

I Think It Would Be A Great Idea. I Love Baseball And How It Is Played, But Alot Of Games Just Aren't Fair. Unfair Plays Result It Different Out Come. If We Had This Instant Replay Earlier There Would Have Been Many Differences. I Think It Would Be A Great Idea. Many Other People May Think Its Not, Because They Think It Should Be Played Out It Normally Started. Great Question By The Way. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I'm against the Instant Replay. Mainly because baseball is the only sport stands out of all the others. I like the calls natural. I like it when umpires make a wrong call here and there and it's up to the Cheif Umpire and the other 3 (5 if playoff) Umpires' to make a decision. If they get it right, cool if not, we booed and shout at them and the game continues. That natural and that what's makes baseball, Americans Pastime. It wasn't a big deal before and should not be a big deal now.

If MLB add the Instant Replay, then they're just like the NFL. Next MLB is going to add a timeouts too???

I agree with William R. If MLB adds Instant Replay, it should be ONLY for homeruns fair/foul...

Answer 4

I really don't like the idea of instant replay in baseball. I actually find it very exciting when the coaches or players go out and argue with the umpires on close plays. I like baseball the way it is, of course without all the steroid scandals and everything. I really don't know how to explain the way I feel about having instant replay. It's almost like it's going to take something away from the game itself.

Answer 5

Get it right .Umpires almost never get it wrong .Major league umpires are the gold standard by which all sports officiating is judged against . What I find most amazing about them is not the few that they miss but rather in Bang Bang situations how many they actually get right .
I would be willing to wager you that during the course of a game umpires make far fewer ME's [mental errors -a personal non official stat ] then players do .
Ma'am because you asked this question you have revealed yourself not be a lover of this game and all who read your Q& A's should do so with the knowledge that that there is an heretic amongst us

Answer 6

I can't imagine umpires ever being replaced, but I definitely think a computer would do a much better job of balls and strikes. There's nothing that drives me crazy more than personalized strike zones, and I'd love to see something uniform and called properly.

I like that they're using it now, even if it's only for limited calls. I'm not against tradition, but I don't think we should blindly accept bad calls and questionable umpiring as part of what makes baseball great.

Answer 7

The beauty of baseball is that it's the only sport left that doesn't depend on today's technology to survive. I love the fact that we harass the umpire and can claim "we got robbed". It's baseball and part of it's history after all.

You will actually find that baseball umpires are the most accurate judges in all of sports. Their accuracy is exceptional. I want the human factor, not an antiseptic atmosphere controlled by cameras and video tape.

I guess I'm old school but let's leave the game as is.

Answer 8

I think it would be a good idea in the playoffs, when it matters the most and the umps should be more accurate. In the regular season I would say no, games go way too long. I would probably impliment it when it came to calls concerning wheather the runner was safe or not.

Answer 9

I say no because it would be overused!! Also, it would take the fun at yelling at the umps when you think they miss a call. Balls and strikes are always inconsistent; impossible to establish consistency with instant replay!!!!!!

Answer 10

I have to say - NO! NO! NO! There, I feel better now.

We just got the game moving again, now we slow it down with second and third looks?!

Besides, if your team is lousy, yelling at the ump is sometimes the only show in town. In Philly we have made it a science. . .