MLB Prohibits AI Use with iPads During Games
It seems the era of artificial intelligence in Major League Baseball, at least during games, is coming to an end. The league has officially banned the use of iPads to access AI tools or to formulate in-game strategies. This decision was outlined in a memo from the commissioner’s office.
According to the memo, some teams had been using iPads for purposes not originally intended. They went beyond standard player and coach decisions regarding substitutions or pitch calls. It appears teams were also utilizing custom apps, pushing the boundaries of what technology should be doing in the dugout.
This ban took effect on June 11, right before teams resumed play post-All-Star break. Reports suggest that roughly one-third of the league had been using iPads in ways that went against their purpose. However, investigations found no violations related to sign stealing or the use of electronic devices inappropriately.
“We have to stop cheating before it becomes rampant,” remarked a front office executive, highlighting the ongoing concern over fair play in baseball. It’s a sentiment that resonates, particularly in a sport where tradition and fairness are vital.
The iPads issued by the MLB had three primary tabs. The first featured Statcast data and various video angles, while the second tab contained information about the Automated Ball Strike (ABS) system. The third tab, which allowed teams to install apps, is the one that’s now been prohibited.
New rules have also been introduced to limit the raw information input allowed on iPads. In-game videos will only be accessible during delays, and there are posted guidelines prohibiting anyone except field personnel from accessing the dugout. It’s a move that reinforces the idea of decision-making being firmly human-driven, despite the lure of technology.
While the exact number of teams leveraging iPads for real-time data during games isn’t clear, the decision to clamp down on AI usage signifies a commitment to keeping the game human-centered. This will likely change how teams strategize and make decisions moving forward.
