Former Tennessee Vols baseball standout Drew Gilbert involved in a first for MLB
Former Tennessee Vols outfielder Drew Gilbert was involved in an MLB first this week. Gilbert, who is a prospect in the New York Mets' farm system, is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League (which is owned and operated by MLB). MLB is testing a check-swing challenge system in the Arizona Fall League this year. […]
Former Tennessee Vols outfielder Drew Gilbert was involved in an MLB first this week.
Gilbert, who is a prospect in the New York Mets' farm system, is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League (which is owned and operated by MLB).
MLB is testing a check-swing challenge system in the Arizona Fall League this year. And this week, Gilbert became the first player to challenge a check-swing call.
Gilbert won the challenge when it was ruled that he didn't swing on a 3-1 pitch. Winning the challenge meant a walk for Gilbert instead of facing a 3-2 count.
Here's the video of the swing and what's shown on the video board when a check-swing is challenged.
Check-swing calls, likes balls and strikes, are subjective. As a result, the calls after often argued by fans/players/media. This system, however, puts some objectivity into the process.
At some point in the not-so-distant future, I'd expect this system to make its way to the big leagues. And if/when it does, Gilbert might be the answer to a trivia question one day.
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