Butch_Stearns's Blog

Instant Replay is both good and bad for baseball.   Why shouldn't umpires use all the technology at their disposal to get the call right when it comes to fair or foul or in or out on home run calls?  But here is the problem, we all know this is only the beginning.  Once a couple of games are decided by home run calls that are overturned or held up because the replay got it right, then the cries will really begin.

Can't you just see it.  There will be a bang bang safe/out call at first base or homeplate in a playoff game in the 5th inning of a one run game.  A team will lose the game by one run and the crying will begin.  Use instant replay for more than just home run calls!  Why not get all the big calls right.   I'll tell you why.  Because the right call is the one made at that exact moment by the umpire in his judgement.  Is he always right?  Of course not, but how many times are you amazed that he is when you see the replay?

And furthermore, what are you going to do on close calls?  If it is a bang bang play and different replays prove inconclusive will you still overturn the call?  Or do you use what the NFL does.  Need to have "induspitable visual evidence" to overturn a call.  And then what? Do you allow managers to call for a replay?  And do you penalize them if the call is upheld?  Take away and out? a run for his team?  STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just home run calls.  This is what instant replay should be used for.  But you watch, a couple close calls and people will be calling for more.  I think that's wrong

Butch