For apparently the first time ever, a professional game in the Indy Northern California League was played with a home plate umpire present- but with PitchF/X calling the balls and strikes.  This was the first of two games scheduled in the experiment in San Rafael, using automated technology developed by Sportsvision, headquartered in nearby Fremont.

 

Former outfielder Eric Byrnes oversaw the computer. Early in the game, he offered, ''As a matter of fact, not even close'' when announcing a pitch to an entertained crowd.
''I have been pushing for a computerized strike zone for years,'' Byrnes said. ''Just like instant replay was, it is long overdue. Very much looking forward to seeing how the entire process unfolds. I truly believe we are very close to seeing it implemented in the big leagues, just a matter of time.''

 

Despite the efforts of Byrnes and Sportsvision, it doesn't look like MLB is ready yet, even as they're monitoring the results of this experiment.  Baseball Commissioner, Rob Manfred:

 

 

'I think we are a ways away from the technology on - using technology to call balls and strikes. I really do,'' Manfred said. ''It's because of speed. It's because of technology limitations. It's because quite frankly, the strike zone is different for every single guy.''

 

 

Former Twin pitcher, R A Dickey opines on the implications of technology changing baseball:

 

''We've seen replay for the most part be a success. You have to be open to anything that will uphold the integrity of the game,'' he said. ''Even with replay there are still some really gray calls. That being said, the behind-the-plate umpire, I enjoy the human error component of it. It makes for a good spectator sport.
''Plus, it wouldn't give us anybody to yell at. That's kind of part of the fun.''

 

Bonus feature from the article and connected to Dickey's quote... Can you name the unidentified over-exuberant umpire shouting down soft-spoken Jamey Carroll:

 

http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/RlNtuir7NzQ2o1BPLzQQ0Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTY3MDtweW9mZj0wO3E9NzU7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/Sports/ap/201507272333847945550

Anyone get tossed?