MLB umpires to explain replay reviews for the first time

Major League Baseball umpires will make announcements over the ballpark PA to explain replay review decisions to spectators this season, the league announced on Friday.

While fans of the National Hockey League (NHL) and National Football League (NFL) often hear game officials explain the reason why penalties were awarded and make other announcements relating to the game, the baseball umpire is a figure of few words in the ballpark, save for occasional verbal sparring with team managers. But not from next week onwards.

"This season Major League Umpires will conduct in-park announcements during the Replay Review process," MLB said on its official communications account on Twitter. "We’re pleased to launch this enhancement to the ballpark and broadcast experiences. Training has been held in Arizona and Florida this spring."

Decisions, verdicts and an explanation will be made through a clip-on microphone which officials will wear, at the baselines facing the press box, largely conducted by the crew chief, over a PA system. Fans can expect the announcements to begin Sunday during an exhibition game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels - provided there is a replay opportunity... MLB instituted video replays in 2008 and expanded their use in 2014, trailing other major men's professional leagues in North America.