2008 Woodie Awards
Video review unnecessary for homerun calls in MLB
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Editorials
General managers of Major League Baseball (MLB) teams recommended Tuesday for further study of a proposal to allow the use of instant replay when homeruns are hit. The idea is only being examined at this point-it would have to be approved by MLB team owners, the MLB players' union and MLB umpires before anything could be implemented. While the general managers appear to be making an earnest effort to provide more tools in ensuring accuracy to baseball's umpires, The Miami Student editorial board unanimously opposes the use of instant replay in the game of baseball.
For now, general mangers and baseball officials are only talking about the use of instant replay when homeruns are in question, but if this is implemented, it could be a very slippery slope for baseball. The use of instant replay being expanded for more and more questionable calls and plays is very worrisome. There are simply too many calls and plays in the game for instant replay to be used continuously. The average MLB game now averages longer than three hours-imagine how long a game would last if instant replay had to be used for every controversial play and call in the game.
The tradition of baseball is one that needs protection. That tradition includes the man-made imperfections of umpires.
Overall, the good and bad calls for any team eventually even out through the course of an entire baseball season. And rather than consider further use of technology to erode the influence of an umpire's call, baseball umpires should be commended for officiated one of the longest and most demanding sports around.
Another problem with this specific proposal is the arbitrary time in which it would take effect. Especially concerning is the idea of starting the use of instant replay during the 2008 postseason. Implementing such a new policy at the end of a long season, during some of the most important and meaningful games, would ultimately prove to be chaotic and confusing. If MLB is insistent on implementing instant replay, consistency is crucial for everyone involved-players, coaches, general mangers, owners and fans. Instant replay should clarify controversy and indecision-not create it. This editorial board fears that beginning instant replay haphazardly during the postseason would stir the very controversy that the technology is aiming to prevent.
It is refreshing to see, in an era dominated by the reliance on technology and use of modern conveniences as a panacea for all man-made problems, that a game revered for its tradition and deep roots is still resisting technology as a solution for the imperfections that are inevitable for anything man made.
For now, general mangers and baseball officials are only talking about the use of instant replay when homeruns are in question, but if this is implemented, it could be a very slippery slope for baseball. The use of instant replay being expanded for more and more questionable calls and plays is very worrisome. There are simply too many calls and plays in the game for instant replay to be used continuously. The average MLB game now averages longer than three hours-imagine how long a game would last if instant replay had to be used for every controversial play and call in the game.
The tradition of baseball is one that needs protection. That tradition includes the man-made imperfections of umpires.
Overall, the good and bad calls for any team eventually even out through the course of an entire baseball season. And rather than consider further use of technology to erode the influence of an umpire's call, baseball umpires should be commended for officiated one of the longest and most demanding sports around.
Another problem with this specific proposal is the arbitrary time in which it would take effect. Especially concerning is the idea of starting the use of instant replay during the 2008 postseason. Implementing such a new policy at the end of a long season, during some of the most important and meaningful games, would ultimately prove to be chaotic and confusing. If MLB is insistent on implementing instant replay, consistency is crucial for everyone involved-players, coaches, general mangers, owners and fans. Instant replay should clarify controversy and indecision-not create it. This editorial board fears that beginning instant replay haphazardly during the postseason would stir the very controversy that the technology is aiming to prevent.
It is refreshing to see, in an era dominated by the reliance on technology and use of modern conveniences as a panacea for all man-made problems, that a game revered for its tradition and deep roots is still resisting technology as a solution for the imperfections that are inevitable for anything man made.
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