On March 9, 2024, during a Cactus League spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Arizona, home plate umpire Bill Miller's microphone remained active during an Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge, leading to an audible plea of "Please be a strike."[1][2]
The San Francisco Giants led the Cleveland Guardians 3-0 in the top of the fourth inning, with two outs and an 0-2 count. Giants left-hander Robbie Ray was facing Guardians outfield prospect Sean Mooney, the potential tying run at the plate. Mooney took a low sinker, which Miller called a ball. Giants catcher Patrick Bailey challenged the call.[1][2]
Only batters, catchers or pitchers may initiate challenges, which must occur almost immediately. Each team receives two challenges and retains them if correct.[1]
Miller announced the challenge to the crowd but left his microphone on, voicing his hope that the ABS system—calibrated to a personalized strike zone based on the batter's height—would deem the pitch a strike. Bailey reacted with visible amusement.[1][3]
The review upheld Miller's call by three-tenths of an inch. Mooney struck out swinging two pitches later.[1][2]
The Giants won the game 4-3. The ABS challenge system was deployed across all 2024 MLB spring training games following years of testing in the minor leagues and Arizona Fall League.[2][3]
Sources
- MLB.com, "Umpire's hot mic perfectly calls ABS review in Giants-Guardians spring game", March 9, 2024, https://www.mlb.com/news/umpire-bill-miller-hot-mic-perfectly-calls-abs-review-in-giants-guardians-spring-game
- ESPN, "Giants 4-3 Guardians (Mar 9, 2024) Game Recap", March 9, 2024, https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401576170
- MLB.com, "What to know about MLB's ABS challenge system in 2024 Spring Training", February 22, 2024, https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-announces-abs-challenge-system-procedures-for-2024-spring-training