SEC Proposes ABS Challenge System for College Baseball Tournament in Alabama

The Southeastern Conference plans to introduce the Automated Balls and Strikes challenge system at its baseball tournament in Hoover, Alabama, later this month.

SEC officials in Birmingham, Alabama, are preparing the proposal for submission to the NCAA as the tournament nears in three weeks. The system, newly implemented in Major League Baseball this season, has drawn attention with its dramatic challenge moments. Fans have enjoyed instances where players, pitchers or catchers contest home plate umpire calls on balls and strikes.

In MLB, teams receive two challenges per game. The SEC version differs: each team starts with three challenges, gaining one more if the game goes to extra innings.

The Hoover Met will use cameras to track pitch movement and determine strike zone location. Before each team's first tournament game, officials will measure players' heights to set individual strike zones.

Challenges must follow immediately after the pitch, or after any play on a runner or check-swing appeal.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said, "The introduction of this challenge system at the SEC Tournament reflects our continued commitment to innovation. This addition represents a continued step forward for our game, aligns more closely with the professional level and supports the development of our student-athletes as they prepare for success at the next level."

SEC officials will evaluate full-time use in conference play during upcoming meetings. Coaches support the tournament trial.