Does Baseball Need More Technology for Plays Like Alonso's Fly Ball?

In Baltimore, during a game between the Orioles and the Yankees, Pete Alonso's long drive was ruled foul, sparking heated debate. On Wednesday night, the New York Yankees won 5-3. Alonso watched the trajectory of the ball heading toward the left-field foul pole, convinced he had hit a home run. However, the umpires ruled it foul, and the call stood after a video review. This incident caused a major uproar in the baseball world and raised the question of using technology to evaluate potential home runs near the foul pole.

According to a person with knowledge of the issue, the baseball league does not currently plan to introduce additional technology for such situations. The technology would have to be developed, tested, and installed by MLB. However, Hawk-Eye data above the foul pole may not be accurate, as it is based on the initial part of the ball's flight, with the rest of the trajectory estimated. This means factors like wind are not fully accounted for.

Before Thursday's game, Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said the front office had communicated with MLB about the call. He said they were told there wasn't enough video evidence to overturn the decision. One angle showed the ball on the right side of the pole, another on the left, but neither provided a clear view of the ball's exact position as it passed the pole and the wall. If the ball had been lower, cameras might have shown whether it passed in front of or behind the pole, but when a hit sails higher than the top of the pole, a definitive view is hard to find.

The difference between a home run and a foul ball is substantial, so it's understandable that players want to be confident in such calls. Alonso said after the game that while this situation was amplified because it was a big division game, similar incidents occur more often than one might think. He suggested installing a camera or laser pointing straight up, noting that the technology and funds are available, and asked why it couldn't be done.

It's worth noting that the Automated Ball/Strike system (ABS) was introduced this season, and MLB has been testing various technologies in the minors.