Tyler Alexander’s reaction says everything about MLB before ABS. After throwing what looked like a perfect strike three, the umpire called it a ball. Alexander stood frozen in disbelief, and even the batter looked like he expected to be out. That missed call quickly went viral because it showed the frustration players dealt with for years. Before ABS (Automated Ball-Strike system, which uses tracking technology to replace subjective umpire calls on pitches), games could swing on inconsistent strike zones. Today, with ABS challenges, players can actually contest a pitch by tapping their helmet, which sends the review to the system for verification. It adds a layer of accountability that simply didn’t exist before. Umpires like Ángel Hernández and C.B. Bucknor became infamous for controversial strike zones that frustrated players and fans alike. Moments like Alexander’s are a big reason why so many people supported bringing ABS into Major League Baseball. - follow ( slugger.report ) f...