Umpires have been calling strikes since 1864, but it has been becoming increasingly difficult to determine exactly where the pitches were placed. So this year, the ABS challenge system will be introduced in the 2025 Spring Training.
What is the ABS system? Well, the human umpire calls the ball, as usual, but Hawk Eye technology is also watching the pitch. This technology is able to locate the exact place of the pitch. This way, if a player feels like the umpire made a wrong call, they can ask to see the technology. This is called challenging the umpire’s call, and this process is known as the ABS system.
During the Spring Training 2025, each team is going to start out with two challenges apiece. Only the batter, pitcher, or catcher can challenge an umpire’s call. Challenges have to made right after the umpire’s call, and the game will continue right after.
