In Reply to: Yeah but it exposed how much the Home Plate Umps posted by Bruinfan4ever on March 31, 2026 at 12:26:50
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Hawkeye revolutionized tennis. Imagine the opinion we'd have of John McEnroe if, instead of berating a ref, Johnny Mac could have just signaled for a review/challenge.
I think the public opinion of Roger and Raja benefited enormously by not having to sully themselves with efforts to work the refs.
Tennis matches have done away with lines people. But it still uses a chair umpire. Why? To determine if a player touched the net. To determine double bounces (although I think I've seen tech help with that). To call (or not) a hinderance. To ensure one player isn't "gaming" the other with chickenshiit moves.
Baseball umpires would still make safe/out calls at the plate. Call catcher's interference. Make the initial call on whether a check swing is a full swing or not. Call HBP. Keep the game moving. Replace scuffed balls with fresh balls. Help prevent fights on the field. Deal with manager stuff. Etc.