Major League Baseball (MLB) has restricted the use of iPads in dugouts to prevent teams from using artificial intelligence (AI) to make strategy decisions. The move comes after it was discovered that some teams, including the New York Mets, were using AI-powered programs to help with in-game decisions.

Background

The use of iPads in dugouts was first introduced in 2015 as part of a pilot program. The tablets were intended to provide teams with access to video and data to help with strategy decisions. However, some teams began to use the custom tabs on the iPads to access AI-powered programs that could provide recommendations on substitutions, pitch calling, and other in-game decisions.

MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword wrote in a memo to general managers, assistant GMs, and video coordinators that the custom tabs had expanded the use of the dugout iPads beyond their originally intended purpose. The memo stated that the use of AI-powered programs was not in line with the spirit of the game and that MLB would be taking steps to prevent it.

Former reliever Adam Ottavino, who pitched for the Mets from 2022-2024, said on his YouTube livestream that the Mets had been using an AI program that was very expensive and that they had been bragging about it early on in the season. Ottavino said that MLB got wind of it and put a stop to it, and that the Mets were not the only team using AI-powered programs.

Reaction

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider called the use of AI-powered programs in dugouts “a little weird” and said that it was not in line with the traditional way of making strategy decisions. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said that AI is entering the game and that teams need to get on board with it or risk being left behind.

Yankees captain Aaron Judge said that he was surprised to hear that teams were using AI-powered programs to make strategy decisions and that it was not something that he was comfortable with. Judge said that the game should be played with heart and instinct, not with the help of machines.

Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.