Until recently, Major League Baseball (MLB) focused primarily on important player stats like batting average, home runs, stolen bases, and runs batted. However, the use of data science and sports analytics over the past few years has changed sports forever. . Teams still use these same basic player stats to measure performance, but over the past few decades they’ve had access to a ton of additional data.
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have taken MLB by storm and propelled it to a new level. Most teams use this additional data to improve the quality of their players and provide a better fan experience. Fans who like to invest in sports can also take advantage of this higher volume of data to improve their chances when playing their favorite sport. online casino. AI is changing MLB for the better and is probably just getting started.
Scouting, training and coaching
Every game of the season in MLB, the league collects about seven terabytes of data. AI technology can analyze all information and detect patterns in player performance while offering insight into everything related to the game, such as pitch selection, expected individual performance, likelihood of injury and whether the optimal composition was used. It can even provide insight into the team’s ability to respond to increased pressure.
In scouting, machine learning compares prospect data to previous player data in categories such as spin rate on a curveball and home run launch angle, which goes well beyond what can be seen with the naked eye. It can detect patterns in pitching mechanics and help players pitch at their maximum speed while reducing their risk of injury.
in-game AI
During the 2021 MLB season, data showed umpires mis-called balls and strikes an average of 12 times per game. Although robotic umpires have not yet reached Major League level, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system has been tested in the independent Atlantic League over the past year and a half and has been used in eleven markets Triple-A in 2022. .
However, the Atlantic League has announced that it will be getting rid of the ABS system starting next season. Not because the test was a failure, but because his evaluation of the robo-umps was complete.
ABS still requires a human referee to be on the court, with the system determining a ball or strike and sending the call to the referee through an earpiece. He will then relay the call to the players on the field. Human umpires will still make calls on interference plays at home plate and on check swings. The only function of ABS is to call more accurate balls and strikes.
The practice of receivers framing pitches and umpires with ever-large strike zones will be over, with players and fans having to adapt to the absence of human error. However, ABS will take all the guesswork out of refereeing and can do nothing but improve the game. Unfortunately, this also means that there are no more arguments between the referees and the players coming to be called for a controversial third strike.
The fan experience
AI technology will begin to engage fans even more before the start of the next MLB season. Modern baseball fans are demanding their gaming experience to be more personalized to stay digitally connected, which is also helping to create more revenue opportunities for franchises. Using voice and chat solutions, teams can better understand customer needs, helping to deliver a more personalized experience for each individual.
In one example, the New York Mets have partnered with Wicket, a producer of facial recognition software, to allow fans to upload an image of their face and a barcode at any time after purchasing their ticket online before the competition. As fans enter the stadium at game time, the software automatically scans their faces, speeding up queues to give them more efficient access to the stadium.
