From its humble beginnings in the nineteenth century, Major League Baseball (MLB) has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry that draws millions of fans yearly. Since then, the league has grown to be one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. This growth, as seen in any other rapidly expanding industry, can be attributed to the ever-changing world of technology.
Major League Baseball (MLB), amongst other sports, is currently at the forefront of utilizing technology to improve the game in various ways. Right from your mobile phone, you can check out accurate MLB picks, stream your favorite team games, and even experience the game using virtual reality is now a possibility.
Technology has shaped MLB into what it is today, transforming how it is played, managed, and consumed. In this article, we will take you through the five key ways technology impacts and transforms MLB.
Pitch Tracking and Analysis
The introduction of pitch tracking and analysis has been one of the most significant technological advancements in MLB. With systems like Statcast, which uses high-speed cameras and radar technology to track every pitch, play, and player’s movement on the field, coaches and players can access incredibly detailed data on pitch speed, spin, trajectory, and movement.
Coaches then work on this data to optimize player positioning, improve pitch selection and identify areas of weakness in opposing players that they can exploit. Officials likewise use pitch-tracking technology to review calls and make better judgments on close plays.
Instant Replay
In 2008, MLB became the first major professional sports league to adopt instant replay for reviewing calls on the field. Since then, instant replay has expanded, with umpires using it to review a wide range of calls, including home runs, fair/foul balls, and tag plays.
Since the inception of instant replay, the accuracy of calls on the field has been dramatically improved, improving the game’s overall quality. Funnily, while processing the replay, tension, and anticipation build up amongst fans and players alike, adding a new level of drama to the game.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is an advanced technology that is gaining traction in the baseball world. Its applications are so diverse that players and fans can benefit from them. Coaches can use VR to simulate game situations for players during training, allowing them to practice in a safe and controlled environment.
This simulation is especially beneficial for pitchers, who can practice pitching to various types of batters without risk of injury.
Virtual reality paints and immerses players in realistic scenarios and opponents, allowing them to get a feel for the game before the match. Similarly, unlike basketball, baseball isn’t a game that fans can appreciate up close. But with VR, you’re taken as close to the player as possible, giving you a unique view of the game and experiencing the player’s perspective.
Wearable Technology
Another significant technological advancement in MLB has been the development of wearable technology. Players wear devices like GPS trackers, heart rate monitors, and smartwatches which provide valuable real-time data on player performance, such as running speed, heart rate, and distance covered.
This data is then used to continuously monitor player fatigue, identify areas for improvement, optimize training regimens, and prevent injuries players could have otherwise avoided during training.
Fan Engagement
Ultimately, what is a good sport without an equally excellent and interactive fan base? Technology is not only changing the way baseball is played; it is also changing how fans interact with and experience the game.
You can use social media to track your favorite players and teams in real-time, participate in online communities, and share your thoughts and opinions about the game. Also, with streaming services such as MLB.TV, you can watch games live or on-demand, regardless of your location.
Without a doubt, technology is making the sport more accessible, safer, and exciting than ever before. It will be fascinating to see how technology shapes the future of baseball as it advances.
