MLB Introduces AI for Camera Systems
Former MLB All-Star Albert Pujols talks about the league’s new AI-powered camera technology. He also shares his feelings on being inducted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame after a lengthy 22-year career, along with insights about the Playing with Heart initiative.
The Houston Astros find themselves in a tough spot as they head into Wednesday, having lost Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series to the Chicago White Sox. Interestingly, their frustration isn’t directed at their opponents—it’s actually their own fans.
Entering this postseason, the Astros became the first division winner in MLB history to have a .500 or worse record. However, upon arriving at Daikin Park in Houston, the players were met with a noticeably sparse crowd compared to previous playoff games.
Attendance for the game was announced at 34,011, while the stadium can hold up to 40,963. This emptiness was especially clear in the upper deck. Was the timing—4:10 p.m. local on a Tuesday—part of the issue? It’s quite possible, as MLB tends to schedule these games at odd times for national broadcasts, which can interfere with fans’ regular work schedules.
Regardless, the players became visibly upset when they started to hear boos as the White Sox gained an early lead. “It’s extremely frustrating as a home player,” said Astros first baseman Christian Walker. “We’re here playing at home; we need cheers, energy, not boos. What purpose does that serve? We’re the ones fighting out there, putting in all the effort this season, and it’s disheartening to hear that.”
The White Sox won the game 6-3 in a contest characterized by bullpen plays, which ultimately favored Chicago. One of the Astros’ relief pitchers, Bennett Sousa, faced boos from the crowd during the top of the seventh inning after making a couple of poor pitches. “This team has risked a lot to provide a playoff game for the fans. We want their support,” he expressed.
While it hasn’t been the best season for the Astros, their 81-81 record allowed them to claim the division title in a peculiar AL West. This marks the ninth time the team has reached the playoffs in the last decade. During this time, they’ve appeared in the World Series four times, winning titles in 2017—during a season overshadowed by a sign-stealing scandal—and again in 2022.
This season, the Astros ranked 14th in attendance at Daikin Park, averaging just over 30,000 spectators per game.
The Astros will have another chance to turn things around, as they face off against the White Sox again at 4 p.m. local time in Houston, with Hunter Brown slated to pitch against Sean Burke.
