In a Major League Baseball spring training game on March 9, 2024, between the San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Guardians at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Arizona, home plate umpire Bill Miller called a low sinker thrown by Giants pitcher Robbie Ray a ball on Guardians batter Sean Mooney.[1][2]
The game was scoreless for Cleveland entering the top of the fourth inning, with the Giants leading 3-0, two outs, and Mooney representing the tying run on an 0-2 count.[1][2]
Giants catcher Patrick Bailey immediately challenged the call under the automated ball-strike (ABS) system rules tested during 2024 spring training, which allow the batter, catcher or pitcher to challenge up to two calls per game with immediate notification.[1][3]
Miller, with his microphone active, announced the challenge to the crowd and was overheard saying, "Please be a strike," before realizing the error.[1][2]
The call stood as a ball, confirmed correct by three-tenths of an inch according to the ABS system. Mooney struck out swinging on the next two pitches.[1][2]
The ABS challenge system, using a batter-specific strike zone based on height measurements, was introduced in major league spring training in 2024 following years of testing in the minor leagues and Arizona Fall League. MLB approved its use for the 2025 regular season.[3][4]
Ray, a left-handed starting pitcher who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and debuted for the Giants in spring training after signing a five-year contract, allowed one run over 2 2/3 innings. The Giants lost 4-3 in 11 innings.[2][5]
Sources
- Fox News. "MLB umpire Bill Miller's hot mic moment goes viral during ABS challenge." March 10, 2024. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/mlb-umpire-accidentally-leaves-mic-on-during-challenge-please-be-a-strike
- SFGate. "Giants catcher challenges umpire call, leading to hilarious hot mic moment." March 10, 2024. https://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/giants-umpire-bill-miller-hot-mic-18736812.php
- MLB.com. "MLB to use pitchcom, ABS challenge system in 2025." October 16, 2024. https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-approves-abs-challenge-system-for-2025
- ESPN. "MLB's robot umpire to make regular-season debut in 2025." October 17, 2024. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41758892/mlb-owners-approve-challenge-abs-2025-season
- MLB.com. "Game Recap: Guardians 4, Giants 3 (11 innings) - March 9, 2024." March 9, 2024. https://www.mlb.com/gameday/giants-vs-guardians/2024/03/09/746995#game=746995,game_tab=recap