Replay and Review has been used in Major League Baseball in some form for a little less than three years. Every year has seen a change in the exact operations, and this past season was clearly the biggest change yet ("Some thoughts on MLB's new pace of game measures and modified replay rules," Feb. 20).
The league implemented many new rules and expanded on the plays that could be challenged. This past season was crucial in that it demonstrated how effectively this technology is and the positive impact it has on the game.
The 2014 season saw the largest expansion in Replay Review since it has been introduced. The specific plays allowed to be challenged had expanded, which made it possible to actually use the technology on a regular basis.
Of the 1,276 challenges called during the 2014 season 608 plays were overturned. This is a great example of how often this technology is used, and the percent of the plays that are overturned.
The Orioles challenged 28 calls during the 2014 season. They had a 50 percent success rate, with 14 overturned. The majority were forced plays and tag plays.
The most successful team using Replay Review was the New York Yankees, who had 23 of their 28 challenges overturned. That is about 82 percent, which is significantly higher than any other team.
Some fear that this technology will take the place of umpires and completely ruin the game. They like the feel of the original game. Although they have a point, the fact of the matter is that every year baseball is losing more and more fans.
In a 2008 Gallup poll, 41 percent those surveyed said football was their favorite sport. Only 10 percent cited baseball.
Without introducing new technology to this classic game, people will slowly veer away because they find it boring. There are still tons of people who enjoy watching baseball, but the numbers are decreasing rapidly. If something doesn't change in the way the game is played, baseball could become a thing of the past.
Major League Baseball should continue to use Replay Review in years to come. It is the best way to get the calls right, attract more people to games and have a positive impact on the sport.
Nick Hershfeld, Catonsville