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Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
71 words
- A study recently examined professional baseball in South Korea.
- In 2024 the KBO used an automated umpire system.
- The system uses cameras and tracking to call strikes.
- Famous batters had an advantage before the change in umpiring.
- After automation famous batters walked less and struck out more.
- They also reached base less often than before.
- Star pitchers did not show the same change.
- Researchers say automation can reduce favoritism and bias.
Difficult words
- examine — to look at something carefully to learnexamined
- automated — done by machines or computer systems
- batter — a player who tries to hit the ballbatters
- strike — a pitch the umpire says the batter missedstrikes
- bias — an unfair preference for one person or group
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you like automated systems in sports?
- Have you ever watched a baseball game?
- Do you think machines are fair in games?
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