Checking in With RoboUmp's Auto Ball/Strike System

We check in with the MLB-partnered Atlantic League's automated ball/strike system (ABS) experiment colloquially referred to as RoboUmp during a recent Lexington Legends vs Lancaster Barnstormers series and find, similar to when the computerized umpire test began severals ago in the ALPB, that RoboUmp appears to still have trouble calling balls and strikes.

Because, frankly, we just don't have the time to sit through an entire game looking for close calls, we found a random smattering of...interesting...decisions by ABS, including a strike three call on a pitch that, well, let's just say evaded detection by the broadcast crew for a good period of time after the delayed strike three mechanic was actually made. 

Jordan Pacheco, the batter called for the strikeout, took to Twitter to express his frustration: "Thank you @MLB for putting the automated strike zone in the @AtlanticLg."

So much for that Trackman-to-Hawkeye upgrade. For a collection of articles about the computer strike zone, the Atlantic League, and beyond (including links to articles that contain video highlighting RoboUmp's best plate work), visit the following article.

Related Post: MLB Announces Atlantic League as First Partner (9/23/20).

Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Robot umpire continues to impress in the Atlantic League (LAN/CCS)