MLB plan will expand instant replay in 2014
Published 1:29 am Friday, August 16, 2013
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Major League Baseball is expanding its video review process next season, giving managers a tool they’ve never had.
Commissioner Bud Selig calls it a historic moment for the game in a press conference in Cooperstown after two days of meetings with representatives of the 30 teams. The proposal is to be voted on by the owners in November.
Managers will be allowed one challenge over the first six innings of games and two after the seventh inning until the end of the game. Calls that are challenged will be reviewed by a crew in MLB headquarters in New York City, which will make the final ruling.
MLB vice president Joe Torre gave the replay presentation to representatives from all 30 teams on Wednesday and it was discussed Thursday morning.
A 75 percent vote by the owners is needed for approval and the players’ association and umpires would have to agree to any changes to the current system.
Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz, a member of the replay committee, says the umpires are receptive to the change. Schuerholz says 89 percent of incorrect calls made in the past will be reviewable.