Mets outfield prospect Drew Gilbert will hopefully have a long career with many memorable highlights, but no matter what he will always be remembered as the answer to a bit of trivia: Who was the first player to ask for a challenge using the automated check swing system?
Gilbert offered at a 3-1 pitch in the second inning of an Arizona Fall League game on Tuesday night. The third base umpire ruled he swung on appeal, but Gilbert tapped his helmet, triggering a review. Baseball America has a video showing the process.
Upon further review, it was ruled ball four and Gilbert went to first base.
It is not clear if or when the automated check swing challenge system could make it to MLB. The league has been testing an automated ball-strike system in the minors and commissioner Rob Manfred has said he thinks some version of that will be put in place within four years.
