Major League Baseball said Friday that umpires will have on-field microphones to inform the crowd and television audience of instant replay reviews.
When a replay is initiated and the press box is used, the crew chiefs will wear a microphone and proceed to one of the baselines to make the announcement. After the review is completed, they will announce who is making the challenge, what is being challenged, and give a quick explanation.
The manager of the Detroit Tigers said that opening up communication with the fans is a step in the right direction.
Umpires have never spoken publicly in that manner, so Hinch indicated that several of them were nervous about doing so.
Hinch said they are a little uncomfortable with the mechanics until they get to do it.
Umpires have been making announcements but not during games. The Dodgers will play the Angels at Angels Stadium in Anaheim.
In 2020, Major League Baseball was going to inform fans about replays in this way, but the Pandemic delayed that.
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