Baseball has long clung to its historical roots as America’s Pastime, resisting dramatic changes in its rules and regulations. Many sports enthusiasts argue this resistance has ensured the purity of the sport, while others argue it simply inconveniences and biases the process of the game by not capitalizing on modern advancements. The hottest debate centers on instant replay in baseball, which historically has not been a part of the game. In lieu of an instant replay, the judgment of the umpires has been taken as infallible, regardless of outside interpretation. While baseball has historically stayed away from any other type of judgment, as of the 2008 baseball season, instant replay in baseball has been used on an experimental basis.

For years, controversial calls have addled the game, often creating tension between players and teams, as well as against umpires. In some cases, rivalries have been born because of a controversial call. Because there are several umpires on the field at any given time, the rules assumed that plays would be reviewed carefully by the umpire closest to the play, ultimately deferring to the umpire crew chief’s decision rather than to instant replay in baseball. But often, because of the speed of the ball and the obscure angles umpires are often presented with, advocates of the instant replay in baseball have gained a stronger voice in recent decades.

The debate is not a new one and has been kicking around Major League Baseball for quite some time. Purists argue that instant replay in baseball would ruin the historical aspect of the game and take decision-making capabilities away from the umpires. In addition, purists argue that the human error facet of the game – an umpire’s ability to blow a call – is part of the charm of the game, one that sets it apart from other professional sports. Instant replay in baseball would also slow down the already-slow game in much the same way instant replay in football has a tendency to do.

Those arguing in favor of instant replay claim it is the only way to ensure objectivity and ensure that the proper call gets made every time. While conceding that instant replay in baseball must be limited to only certain aspects of the game – for instance, arguing balls and strikes would still be considered off limits – those in favor of instant replay have taken the stance that it would better the game by ensuring blown calls do not influence the outcome of a game or series. Baseball has certainly seen its share of exactly that scenario, and instant replay in baseball could have the potential to eliminate that human error.