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May 04, 2026 at 10:54 PM ET
SEC Tourney to Use Ball/Strike Challenge System
Per ESPN: "SEC given OK to use ABS for conference baseball tournament" "The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee on Monday approved the SEC's request to implement a challenge system for balls and strikes for each game of this year's conference tournament. It will be similar to the system used in Major League Baseball. "Teams can challenge an umpire's strike or ball call via an automated ball tracking system that monitors the exact location of each pitch, relative to the specific batter's zone. "The introduction of this challenge system at the SEC Tournament reflects our continued commitment to innovation," commissioner Greg Sankey said. "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." "Each team will have three challenges to start the game. If a challenge is successful, the team will retain the challenge. If the original call is confirmed, the team will lose the challenge. "Upon a challenge, the pitch location will be compared against the electronic strike zone. The result will then be displayed on the stadium videoboard and broadcast. "The ABS system would be allowed for other conference tournaments if a conference wanted to use it and followed the same protocols as the SEC."

8 Replies

C
Curious Hokie
2mo
Guy in Berkeley Sunday wouldn’t have liked it
E
EDGEMAN
2mo
I like it if it doesn't take forever to review.
If it takes 5 seconds or less it's a good thing. If it takes longer...then it will suck!
HokieHeartNSoul HokieHeartNSoul
2mo
So far it has worked quickly in MLB.
E
EDGEMAN
2mo
Then bring it to the ACC!
T
tefftdj23
2mo
D1Baseball’s Kendall Rogers said sources expect the ACC to request ABS
At the ACC Tournament. Rogers initially reported that the SEC was going to use ABS. ** Edited by tefftdj23 at 5/5/2026, 6:52:24 PM
Rev.Zeke Vodka Rev.Zeke Vodka
2mo
ACC is a follower not
a Trailblazer. Gene Corrigan, John Swofford, Jim Phillips. Nothing about them screams ‘cutting edge’
S
Stech
2mo
Followship at its best. 😳
E
EDGEMAN
2mo
But we would be following the SEC.