Phillies

MLB Umpires Will Now Have to Answer For Their Sins and Announce Replay Reviews NFL Style

By Kyle Pagan

Published: Apr 4th, 2022 · 7:30 AM EDT

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I don’t know what’s real. I don’t know what’s fake. I was previously tricked by a fake Keith Yandle extension, but I’m 99% positive this is real. MLB umps will now get on the mic and announce replay review decisions to the crowd:

Major breakthrough for baseball fans. Starting next week MLB umpires will now use a microphone to announce replay review decisions to the crowd. NFL style. This is a welcome change and will help fans better understand the outcomes.

— Sweeny Murti (@SweenyMurti) April 1, 2022

This is how it will work, from Jesse Rogers at ESPN:

Crew chiefs will wear a microphone, via a belt pack, and will proceed to one of the baselines when a replay is initiated and face the press box to make the announcement. They’ll announce who is making the challenge, what is being challenged, and then — after the review is completed — announce the verdict and give a quick explanation.

The Phillies need to move the press box to the first base line immediately. Right now it sits behind the plate. Imagine how many reviews the Phillies would win because no ump wants to stare Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos in the eye and make a call against them. Has anyone seen this rookie ump since Bryce undressed him last season? –

Umps are already pissing down their leg thinking about getting in front of fans and having to make a tough call:

(Detroit Tigers manager AJ) Hinch indicated that several umpires had expressed nervousness about speaking publicly in that manner, since it’s never been part of their job.

“I think they’re a little uncomfortable with the mechanics of it until they get to do it,” Hinch said.

Umpires have been rehearsing making these announcements this spring but not during games. That will start this Sunday when the Angels host the Dodgers at Angels Stadium in Anaheim.

Umps are already out here like they’re in the Roman Coliseum and Phillies fans are about to decide their fate with a thumbs up or down. Could you imagine a NLCS game in front of a juiced up Phillies crowd and Laz Diaz is telling the boys back in New York he doesn’t have the stones to tell the Phillies fans they’re on the wrong side of a close call? Must-watch theatre.

Plus this means more hot mics. The more hot mics the better for the sport: