Ex-Pitcher Argues Against MLB's Automatic Strike Zone

A former high school pitcher says the new automated balls and strikes system undermines baseball's human element.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:35pm

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In a column for the Austin Daily Herald, a former high school baseball player argues against Major League Baseball's new automated balls and strikes (ABS) challenge system. The writer reflects on his own playing days, from Little League through high school, and how he developed a fondness for the human element of umpires calling the strike zone, even if they didn't always get it right.

Why it matters

The ABS system has been a controversial topic in baseball, with proponents arguing it removes human error, while critics say it takes away a key part of the game's tradition and spirit. This column provides a personal perspective from a former player on why the human element of umpiring is important to preserving the essence of baseball.

The details

The writer describes his own experience as a high school pitcher with a modest fastball and curveball, but how he was able to be effective by playing to his strengths. He also recalls developing a habit of jawing with umpires over close calls, something he saw as part of the game's competitive spirit. The writer argues the ABS system undermines this human nuance and imperfection that makes calling balls and strikes an integral part of baseball.

  • The writer played high school baseball in the late 2000s.
  • MLB began testing an automated balls and strikes system in the minor leagues in 2019.

The players

The writer

A former high school baseball player who is now writing an opinion column for the Austin Daily Herald.

Dan Ruiter

A teammate of the writer's who hit a walk-off home run in a game against the eventual section champions.

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What they’re saying

“Baseball was always been in my life from the early days of watching my dad play for the Lake Wilson Bison amateur baseball team and then through my own days of playing.”

— The writer

“I started early with Little League and then moved up through junior high and found my first starts in the varsity program while in eighth-grade, not because I was some phenom on the diamond, but rather out of necessity.”

— The writer

What’s next

MLB plans to expand the use of the automated balls and strikes system to more minor league levels in the coming years as it evaluates the technology for potential use in the majors.

The takeaway

This column highlights the ongoing debate over the role of technology in baseball and the importance of preserving the human element that has defined the game for generations. As the sport continues to evolve, there are valid arguments on both sides of the ABS issue that will likely continue to be discussed.