A University of Michigan team led by Jimin Song compared KBO seasons before and after the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System. They looked at 2023, the last season with human ball-and-strike calls, and 2024, the first season with ABS. The ABS uses cameras and pitch-tracking technology to decide whether a pitch crosses the strike zone; the decision is then relayed to the home plate umpire.
After ABS, high-status hitters did worse on measures tied to strike-zone calls. Compared with lower-status batters, famous hitters walked less, struck out more, and reached base less often. The same pattern did not appear for high-status pitchers. Researchers say automation may reduce favoritism in evaluations.
Difficult words
- compare — look at two or more things to find differencescompared
- system — group of parts that work together
- umpire — official who makes calls during the gamehome plate umpire
- automation — use of machines or computers to do tasks
- favoritism — giving unfair advantage to some people
- evaluation — judgment or opinion about somethingevaluations
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think automated systems in sports are fair? Why or why not?
- How might a famous player feel if they get fewer favorable calls?
- Would you prefer human umpires or an automated system? Explain briefly.
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