Should Baseball Adopt Instant Replay?

By Justin Worsley

For years, the NFL debated adding an instant replay system. During the debate, then commissioner Paul Tagliabue was skeptical, showing his support for the league referees. After doing some research, however, Tagliabue realized that the pro very much outweigh the cons and in 1999, he installed an instant replay system similar to the defunct USFL.

The instant replay system in the NFL allows coached to challenge up to two debatable calls by a referee per game. This new rule changed football and helped make the game more fair due to technology. If a referee makes a bad call, those at home watching the game on television instantly see the a replay and can see whether or not the referee was just in his decision.

In 2004, the NFL expanded on the rule, allowing coaches a third challenge if they are successful on their first two attempts. College football has also taken notice, adopting their own replay policy in 2006.

Last night a robbery occurred. Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was one batter away from pitching the third perfect game of the season. Rookie Jason Donald hit a ground ball that formed into a routine out. Galarraga, covering first base, made the catch and outran Donald for the out. First-base umpire Jim Joyce, however, said otherwise. Joyce made this season's most controversial call, he declared Donald safe.

Immediately after the play, anyone watching the game on T.V. could tell the call was ludicrous and was in fact an out. Joyce has made it more than obvious that he is well aware that he blew the call, as well as the bid for the perfect game, once he saw the instant replay.

Bud Selig, the MLB commissioner, has been long opposed to the instant replay official, stating that the game should be officiated by officials. In 2008, some aspects of the game were added to instant replay, such as whether or not there was spectator interference or if a fly ball is either a home run or a foul ball.

What Bud Selig doesn't realize, however, is that nobody is perfect. Technology has revolutionized sports in so many ways, and the instant replay will help improve the game. The MLB doesn't even have to leave the debatable calls up to the managers. The NBA reviews ever buzzer-beater shot, and the NHL reviews goals.

The MLB can have an official in the press-box who will review every play that has occurred and determine whether or not the call was just. If the call was blown, they can page the home play umpire and force him to change the call. This system will be used to determine fielding calls as well as the current aspects of the game that the MLB reviews, still leaving a majority of the calls, including the pitch count, up to the umpires.

The press-box umpire will be able to see the game from several angles, unlike the official on the field, and help better the call. Fans can walk away less bitter after the game and it will help alleviate the blame on the referees. If the NFL has had been made better due to instant replay, why can't the MLB?