SerpApi.Org
Major League Baseball has long banned performance enhancing drugs and sticky substances, but it’s now adding some technology to the no-no list.
MLB has banned teams from using dugout iPads to access artificial intelligence. Some teams have been using AI to plan their strategy from inning to inning or batter to batter. And one former MLB player says the Mets were one of the teams at the center of the controversy.
Must Read
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP
Vanguard’s outlook on U.S. stocks is raising alarm bells for retirees. Here’s why and how to protect yourself
A memo obtained by The Athletic, a division of The New York Times, said the commissioner’s office felt teams were using custom apps that expanded the use of iPads “beyond their originally intended purpose to include recommendations regarding substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions traditionally made by players and coaches.”
Of particular concern was using AI to determine what pitches should be thrown.
Former relief pitcher Adam Ottavino, on his Baseball & Coffee podcast, said the crackdown was due in part to actions by the New York Mets.
“They had an AI program that was very expensive, apparently, and they were bragging about it a little bit early on in the year,” he said. “Some of the coaches that I know were talking about it from around the league and they had basically an AI program helping them pick pitches and I think some other stuff, but MLB caught wind of it and nipped that right in the butt.”
Ejected
The Mets weren’t the only team who utilized such a program. The Athletic says up to one-third of the league used iPads for this purpose. MLB’s review, however, found “all clubs were compliant” with existing rules governing sign stealing and electronic-device usage, according to the memo, so no penalties were assessed.
The memo was issued on June 11 and took effect a week ago, coinciding with the start of the second half of the season.
iPads first made their appearance in dugouts 10 years ago. In 2020, MLB began more tightly regulating their use after a sign-stealing scandal.
The devices were used to let players view live in-game video and, initially, did not allow for additional information to be added. Over time, MLB relaxed that policy and let teams customize the tablets.
Read More: 7 top habits of 'quietly wealthy' Americans. How many do you follow?
Moving forward
The league is not banning iPads from the dugout, but will change how they’re used. In-game video remains available, but on a delay. Players can only watch after an inning has been completed. League-provided data will also remain accessible.
The “custom” tab that let teams store specialized data (and was seemingly where AI apps were stored) was made inaccessible with the new rules, reports ESPN.
You May Also Like
The tax breaks in Trump's 'big beautiful bill' expire after 2028 — and experts say most people won't act in time. What to do before the window closes
'Gold still crashing!': Robert Kiyosaki admits he was wrong — but doubles down on his $35K prediction
Millionaires under 43 hold only 25% of their wealth in stocks. Here’s where their money is actually going
I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement. What do I do? Don't panic. Here are 7 ways to catch up fast
Enjoyed this Moneywise story? Click Follow above for more. To get our best content and exclusive interviews first, join 250,000+ readers who subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
The changes to the rules come 3.5 years after MLB made some of the most drastic changes to the game in decades, instituting a pitch timer, limiting pick-off attempts and enlarging second and third base to reduce player injuries.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
