Recently the 30 Ball Clubs of Major League Baseball unanimously approved the installation of instant replay within the MLB for the use of determining close calls.  In a game where blown calls can lead to major brawls, this installment will go down in history to change the game forever.

Officials from the MLB required the Major League Baseball Players Association, World Umpires Association Calls and all owners to confirm the protocol in order to implement instant replay.  Calls that are subject to review due to the instant replays will include home runs, ground rule doubles, fan interference, stadium boundary calls, force and tag plays, fair/foul appeals in the outfield and several more.  Also, stadium boards will broadcast the instant replays to the entire ballpark, and teams additionally reserve the right to replay plays that are not under review.

“I like how baseball is adapting to modern technology,” said sophomore Justin Greenwald.  “And in the end, it is about getting the play right.  Nobody wants to lose in the playoffs on a bad call.”

Compared to fast-paced sports like hockey or basketball, baseball is often considered sluggish and dawdling.  The implementation of instant replay has further strengthened this debate, as teams question whether stopping to review calls will make the game even slower.  Therefore, each manager is allowed to subject only one call for review per game, yet if that call is overturned in his favor, the MLB grants him an additional call.  After the beginning of the seventh inning, umpires are allowed to bring a call under review if the manager has already exhausted his number.

Spring Training exhibition games will be the first to feature instant replay, as teams, umpires and field staff will have a chance to become accustomed to the new procedure.  Instant replay will then be installed and utilized for the 2014 Postseason.

“[Instant replay] is another in a long list of changes that will make this sport better than it already is” said Baseball Commissioner Allan “Bud” Selig.  “The new system will give managers valuable recourse in potentially game-changing situations.  The opportunity for our fans to see more replays in our ballparks is also an important modification that the Clubs and I favored.”