Umpire Caught on Hot Mic Pleading for 'Strike' Call in MLB's New ABS System

The new Automated Ball-Strike System has umpires struggling to adapt during spring training games.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:49am

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During a spring training game between the Giants and Guardians, home plate umpire Bill Miller was caught on a hot mic pleading "Please be a strike" after initially calling a pitch a ball. The call was later overturned by the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, proving Miller's original call was correct. The ABS system, which is being implemented across MLB this season, has already caused challenges for umpires and players as they adjust to the new technology.

Why it matters

The ABS system is a major change for MLB, aiming to bring more consistency and accuracy to ball and strike calls. However, the transition has proven difficult, with umpires and players alike struggling to adapt to the new strike zone parameters. This incident highlights the growing pains the league is facing as it implements the new technology.

The details

In the Giants-Guardians game, San Francisco pitcher Robbie Ray threw a low sinker to Sean Mooney that was initially called a ball by umpire Bill Miller. Catcher Patrick Bailey challenged the call, and while announcing the challenge, Miller's hot mic caught him saying "Please be a strike." Bailey was visibly shocked by the umpire's plea, but the ABS system ultimately proved Miller's original call to be correct, just barely. The ABS system was introduced last year in spring training and the minor leagues, and will be used league-wide in the 2026 MLB regular season.

  • The incident occurred during the Giants' 10-7 spring training win over the Guardians on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • The ABS system was first introduced during the 2025 spring training and minor league seasons, before being implemented across MLB for the 2026 regular season.

The players

Bill Miller

The home plate umpire who was caught on a hot mic pleading for his original ball call to be overturned by the new Automated Ball-Strike system.

Patrick Bailey

The Giants catcher who challenged the umpire's initial ball call, leading to the hot mic incident.

Robbie Ray

The Giants pitcher who threw the pitch that was initially called a ball by umpire Bill Miller.

Sean Mooney

The Guardians batter who was at the plate when the incident occurred.

Dave Roberts

The Los Angeles Dodgers manager who has admitted his team has struggled to adapt to the new ABS strike zone.

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What they’re saying

“Please be a strike”

— Bill Miller, Home Plate Umpire

“Even if we're wrong, we need to use it just to figure out the tops and bottoms of the zone. A lot of us are still trying to learn it … Spring training is the time to figure it out, figure out your zone and see if you have a better idea of it [before the start of the season].”

— Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers First Baseman

“I honestly don't know the answer right now.”

— Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers Manager

What’s next

As the 2026 MLB regular season approaches, teams and umpires will continue to work on adapting to the new Automated Ball-Strike system during the remainder of spring training. The league will be closely monitoring how the technology is implemented and how players and officials adjust to the changes.

The takeaway

The hot mic incident involving umpire Bill Miller is just one example of the growing pains MLB is experiencing as it transitions to the new Automated Ball-Strike system. While the technology aims to bring more consistency, it is clearly causing challenges for umpires and players who are still learning to adapt to the new strike zone parameters.