Jeffrey Maier. If you don’t remember his name, maybe you’ll remember his actions. In Game 1 of the 1996 American League Championship Series, Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter hit a long fly ball to right field. Orioles right fielder Tony Tarasco got under the ball, but never got a chance to make the catch. Twelve year old Jeffrey Maier reached down, caught the ball, and brought back into the stands. The umpires then ruled Jeter’s fly ball a game-tying home run. The Yankees went on to win the game, the Championship series, and the World Series. Oriole fans everywhere can find little solace in the fact that a play like this will never happen again.
Baseball's Newest Tool
On August 28, 2008, MLB instituted instant replay. However, according to Major League Baseball, its use will be limited to disputed “boundary calls,” which include whether a fly ball is home run, whether a potential home run ball is fair or foul, and whether a potential home run was interfered with by a fan.
People have opposed instant replay for years, including MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. Many argue that using instant replay eliminates the human element of the sport. Another major argument against instant replay is that it lengthens games because managers will challenge all controversial calls. To avoid lengthening the game, MLB will have strict rules to govern how instant replay will be used.
Limited to 'Boundary Calls'
However, the positives of instant replay seem to heavily outweigh the negatives under this current system. First, instant replay is limited to disputed boundary calls. This limits its use to home runs and potential home runs only. This keeps managers from challenging every call.
Additionally, instant replay should actually speed up the game. As it stands now, when there’s a controversial play, the manager will dispute the call. After hearing the argument the umpires get together to deliberate. After deliberating, the umpires make a final decision. After the decision is rendered, another argument may occur. This argument can last for several minutes, further delaying the game. With instant replay, the crew chief will simply go watch a replay of the disputed call. From that replay, he will have two and a half minutes to render his decision. Once the decision is made, it’s final. Any argument leads to an automatic ejection and suspension. Eliminating arguments and deliberations will move the game along more quickly.
Most importantly, using instant replay greatly increases the chance that umpires will make the correct call. Had instant replay existed in 1996, maybe the umpires get the call right, and maybe the Yankees don’t win Game 1 of the ALCS. That one call could have greatly affected the outcome of the World Series. If instant replay helps the umpires make a correct call, then it should be utilized and embraced. Players, managers, and fans do not want an umpire’s bad call cost them a victory.
Instant Replay Put to Use
As long as instant replay is used in this limited capacity, it will be a useful tool. It will help keep the games moving, and it will increase the chances of making correct calls. The first use of instant replay involved a disputed home run by Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. The umpires got together quickly, decided to use instant replay, and a call was made within two and a half minutes. More importantly, the umpires ruled it correctly and awarded Rodriguez a home run. The system worked perfectly. It’s too soon to tell, but it looks like instant replay in MLB will be a useful tool for a long time to come.
Carlos Lorenzana - As a full-time student at San Francisco State University, I find writing about my interests to be quite relaxing. So much of the writing I ...
