Guardians fan experience won't be same with ABS Challenge System. Opinion

CLEVELAND — If you care about the Guardians , you’ve done it, probably with a hot dog in hand. Maybe you’ve yelled or just muttered under your breath, but you’ve done it. You’ve complained about the umpire’s interpretation of balls and strikes .

You know you have. Well, now you can witness the delivery of a state-of-the-art verdict in real time. The fan experience across Major League Baseball has a new wrinkle this season, and Guardians enthusiasts received their first taste of it in person at Progressive Field during a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in Cleveland’s home opener on April 3.

The sport is different, and the way you’ll consume it has changed, too. Northeast Ohio, meet the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System. The pitcher, catcher or batter can challenge ball or strike calls by tapping his cap or helmet, but it must be done within roughly two seconds after the pitch.

A graphic displaying the result is shown on the scoreboard at the ballpark and on TV. Teams begin the game with two challenges and retain them if successful. After experimentation in the minor leagues since 2022 and in MLB spring training since last year, the ABS system has arrived at the sport’s highest level.