MLB Faces Pressure to Deploy Technology for Foul Pole Calls After Alonso Ruling

Pete Alonso’s potential home run was ruled foul during Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, with the call upheld upon video review in a 5-3 Orioles loss. The deep fly ball near the left field foul pole generated significant controversy, prompting renewed discussion about whether Major League Baseball should implement additional technological systems to resolve such close plays.

According to a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity, implementing new technology for evaluating fly balls near the foul pole would require MLB to develop, test, and install the system. The Hawk-Eye system currently used by baseball has limitations in this application, as data beyond the initial portion of a ball’s flight must be estimated, potentially missing critical factors such as wind resistance at higher altitudes.

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz indicated the team communicated with MLB regarding the call, noting that officials determined insufficient video evidence existed to overturn the on-field ruling. The challenge lay in camera angles that showed the ball on opposite sides of the pole, neither providing clarity on its position as it passed the pole and wall.

Alonso advocated for enhanced technology after the game, questioning why baseball has not deployed overhead cameras or laser systems given the sport’s resources and analytical capabilities. The slugger acknowledged the call’s significance in a division matchup while noting such disputed plays occur repeatedly throughout the season.

MLB introduced its Automated Ball-Strike system this year and has tested challenge technology for checked swing calls in minor league play, though foul pole determination remains unresolved.