A Veteran’s Take on Automated Umpires
Jason Kendall spent fifteen years as a catcher in Major League Baseball, a stint that included stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates and other clubs. His long career gave him an intimate understanding of the game’s nuances, from spring training drills to bullpen work.
At Fanatics Fest, Kendall explained that automated ball‑strike calls do not replace the catcher’s role but rather confirm what he already knows about the strike zone. He emphasized that catching has always involved a keen sense of where a pitch should land.
Having navigated the sport’s last analog era, Kendall sees technology as an evolution rather than a disruption. He has watched baseball adopt new tools over the decades and now embraces innovations such as the automated strike‑zone system.
The former player’s appearance at the fan convention highlighted his belief that the future of baseball can blend tradition with progress, offering a clearer, more consistent experience for players and fans alike.