Essay On Replay In Baseball

1577 Words4 Pages

Kyle Reminick
American Literature
Mrs. Levine
Research Paper
April 8th, 2014

Video Replay in Baseball

The most frustrating moment for a fan is having their team lose because of a blown call made by the umpire. Human error is present in baseball as it is in any other activity. If the error is made by the player, nothing can be done to reverse or change that play, but if it is made by the umpire some feel there should be a replay process. The debate over having video replay for umpires is a popular topic when it comes to baseball, and like any other debate, there are two sides to the topic that both have good arguments. Baseball should incorporate replay during baseball games but it should be limited to only on specific plays. As it stands right now replay is used solely on homeruns, but it still needs to be expanded upon more. Baseball needs to look into expanding the role of instant replay in order to make sure that each team gets a fair chance to win.

The argument for instant replay is very strong. Through past experiences there is enough evidence that would warrant the expansion of baseball. Baseball has incorporated replay during games a little, allowing it on homeruns only. Don Denkinger a former MLB umpire, most famous for his blown call in game 6 of the 1985 World Series that helped the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals, gave his opinion on the weather replay should be used. “There are so many areas you can use instant replay. Maybe instant replay can clean things up. If a play is missed, it can be corrected. I didn’t feel that way in ’85, but I feel that way now” (Espn.com). Denkinger experienced firsthand why instant replay may be good for baseball. Denkinger also says that if the...

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...man error is part of the game of baseball. Video replay has the ability to eliminate most of the error that is present but, the error is part of the excitement baseball provides. The MLB needs to make sure that in the possible expansion of replay the excitement does not leave the game. The use of expanded replay on homeruns, fair/foul calls, and plays at the plate will keep that excitement alive for all viewers and players. The proponents and opponents of expanded replay both have strong arguments on whether or not replay should be used more. In the end both sides need to make a compromise because something needs to be done with the game deciding blown calls that are happening much more frequently in baseball. Baseball is the number 2 most grossing sport in America, and a success transition to standard would, without a doubt, keep them at the number two spot.

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