Why MLB will allow teams to use PitchCo atlanta braves uniforms m device to combat sign
April 5, 2022
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The days of flickering hand signals may soon be over in MLB.
Pitchers and catchers will have the choice of using electronic signals to determine what pitches they will throw to hitters. PitchCom, an electronic transmitting device, will be coming to major league stadiums for the 2022 regular season, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
The move comes after years of debate surrounding the topic of sign-stealing. Although the practice has long been a part of baseball, technological developments have helped spark controversy around the issue. The debate to a head when the Astros were discovered to be using an intricate, video-based system tTrevor Story Red Sox Jerseyso steal signs atlanta braves championship gear during the 2017 season — the same year they went on to beat the Dodgers atlanta braves outfits in the World Series.
The punishments levied at the Astros organization following the discovery were significant: loss of draft picks, suspensions for various architects of the system, including former general manager Jeff Luhnow and former manager A.J. Hinch, as well as a $5 million fine.MLB Accessories
"We all did what we did," former Astros outfielder Carlos Beltran recently told YES Network's Michael Kay. "Looking back today, we were wrong."
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Although change in baseball is often met with resistance, players, managers and fans alike seem excited by the new proposition, which aims to both snuff out sign-stealing and, perhaps more importantly, facilitate a faster pace of play — two key issues that have come to wear on the sport in recent years.
What is PitchCom?
PitchCom is a wearable transmitter t atlanta braves jersey swanson women hat allows catchers to send electronic signs to pitchers on which pitch they wish to receive. Catchers wear the transmitter on their wristbands, while there are two receivers — one that nestles within the sweatband of the pitcher's cap and one that fits inside the padding of the catcher's helmet.
The transmitter consists of nine buttons that indicate pitch type and location. The system comes preprogrammed in English and Spanish, although teams are also able to record their own tracks, per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez.
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Why is MLB using PitchCom?
The move is the latest in a string of alterations MLB has made in an effort to spe atlanta braves jersey women ed up the pace of the game. The league hopes to implemeShohei Ohtani nt a pitch clock of 14 seconds with the bases empty and 19 seconds with runners on, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
Similarly, the transmitter will allow pitchers and catchers to communicate freely without the fear of having their signs stolen, something that is particularly enticing to the league's hurlers.
"I like it. It’s nice. … It gives the hitters zero chance of knowing what’s coming,” White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease said.
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How do players feel about PitchCom?
After being trialed at Low-A level during the second half of last season, PitchCom made its major league debutMLB Watches during spring training. Although there were growing pains, big leaguers seemed largely satisfied with the system, per the AP's Jay Cohen.
"I want to keep fleshing that out the best we can," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, via the AP. "But my first impression of it, I feel like we’re on to something. I thought it was really good."
Players tended to agree.
“It was not as awkward as I thought i atlanta braves game worn jersey t was going to be," Orioles pitcher Bruce Zimmermann said. "Actually I think it’s really nice because you can speed up the game at your ownMLB Home and Office Decor will."