Forget Barry Bonds – the entire game of baseball is about to go on steroids.
OK, not literally. But the principle’s much the same.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig told reporters Tuesday that he’s considering introducing video instant-replay into games for certain “limited” situations – possibly before the end of this season.
“It’s very difficult,” explained Selig, for umpires standing in the infield to tell the difference between a home run and a long foul ball; under a replay system, they’d be able to consult broadcast video.
Please. Umps have been judging foul balls and calling home runs for more than a century.
Sure, they’re only human – that’s the point. Baseball’s natural rhythm – informed by human strengths and frailties – has long relied on the split-second judgment of its officials.
And, until recently, on the natural efforts of all its participants.
Besides, the mechanization Selig is considering has its own relentless logic.
What’s next: video review of every dramatic home-plate tag?
Laser-measured strike zones?
All real Americans shudder at the prospect.