Little League World series goes high-tech

By Sue Green

We know there will be no post season this year for the D-backs, which means they will have plenty of time to take in some Little League World Series action.

And this years’ tournament is going to debut something a little different, something the Major League has avoided like the plague.

We are talking instant replay.

I know, I know, there is nothing worse than watching your kid slam a line drive down the third baseline, only to have the umpire make a mistake and call it foul.

I have seen parents lose their minds at some of the calls the umpires make.

But Little League officials are hoping that this decision to bring in instant replay will calm down some parents…  and right some wrongs!

So, when you tune in to the Little League World Series on Aug. 20, you will see instant replay being used not only to determine if a home run is fair and foul, like it is currently used.

No, Little League President Stephen Keener is taking it a step further. They will be using the cameras to make decisions pretty much on everything except balls and strikes.

Not sure about that bang-bang play at first? Let’s check the replay.

Think the player was hit by the ball, but you aren’t quite sure? Let’s check the replay.

Think someone missed the base? Well heck, let’s just go back to the replay.

Umpires will be able to call for a replay any time they want. And managers will also be able to ask for a replay, as long as they are right. They will be allowed only one unsuccessful challenge during the first six innings, and one more during any extra innings.

And, it will be easy to find a good angle because there are reports that ESPN plans to use 12 to 14 cameras and up to 16 playback machines.

Little League officials say the goal is to get the calls right and make the game better.

We will see if it actually works come August 20th, and you can bet Bud Selig will be keeping a close watch on all the action!