Link Jarrett advocated for the use of the automated balls and strikes (ABS) system to review balls and strikes in the ACC Tournament. Florida State’s coach said players’ heights were measured and they had serious discussions about using the technology for players to appeal the home plate umpire’s calls.
A few weeks later, as the NCAA regionals begin, there was a heated controversy in FSU’s second game.
Brayden Dowd enjoyed an extended at-bat, fouling off five pitches before taking ball three and then a called strike three. Dowd turned to first thinking he had a walk before quickly spinning to look at home plate umpire Shaylor Smith in disbelief. The 12th pitch of the at-bat appeared high and was met by quick criticism from coach Link Jarrett and third base coach Ty Megahee as well as a chorus of boos from fans at Dick Howser Stadium.
Smith put his hand out as if to indicate to Jarrett that he shouldn’t approach to debate the call. As Megahee walked from the third base box to FSU’s dugout on the first base side of Howser, he said something to Smith — and quickly was ejected. Megahee briefly argued his case to another umpire before being walked to the dugout, while Jarrett continued to object to the call.
Trackman technology exists in major conference baseball parks across the country. The process to implement the ABS in college baseball, beyond what Jarrett has explained, is not known. But the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Ala., received approval from the NCAA to test the ABS technology as an experiment and used rules similar to Major League Baseball (which is using the system in the regular season in 2026).
In last week’s SEC Tournament, only a batter, catcher or pitcher could challenge the ball or strike call. Players were given three seconds to signal. The video board in Hoover broadcast the results. The SEC allowed three challenges per game.
SEC coaches gave their overwhelming approval of the ABS in the tournament.
The next questions: When could ABS be used in the College World Series? When could ABS be used in NCAA regionals and Super Regionals?
This story will be updated with thoughts from the coaches after Saturday’s rain-delayed game.
