DGS49
Diamond Member
Watching this year's USOpen I've been surprised to see no disputed or questioned line calls. Players look at close balls and just continue playing, whether the call went with them or against them.
Turns out that the line judges have been replaced by a small army of cameras. If the call is CLOSE BUT OUT, there is a loud recording of someone yelling, "Out!" If it's not so close, the recorded call is softer and less harsh.
Not just a matter of getting the calls right, it was perceived that the decision of whether to question a line call (challenges limited to two per set) was becoming strategic, thus detracting from the game. This is a good innovation. Would have been better if it had occurred while John Mac was still playing. Can you imagine him arguing with a camera?
Will baseball take note, and finally take the obvious step of having robots call balls & strikes? One can only hope.
Turns out that the line judges have been replaced by a small army of cameras. If the call is CLOSE BUT OUT, there is a loud recording of someone yelling, "Out!" If it's not so close, the recorded call is softer and less harsh.
Not just a matter of getting the calls right, it was perceived that the decision of whether to question a line call (challenges limited to two per set) was becoming strategic, thus detracting from the game. This is a good innovation. Would have been better if it had occurred while John Mac was still playing. Can you imagine him arguing with a camera?
Will baseball take note, and finally take the obvious step of having robots call balls & strikes? One can only hope.