MLB unveiled an "array of technological enhancements" meant to "entertain, inform, and enhance the broadcast experience for fans relegated to watching exclusively on their TVs and computers," according to Michael Silverman of the BOSTON GLOBE. Highlights include:
- Broadcasts "will feature Statcast 3D, which can generate high-resolution, data-based visuals that go beyond recent, well-received innovations such as ball and player tracking."
- MLB moves from Statcast 1.0 -- in use since '14 -- to Statcast 2.0. Instead of "Doppler-based tracking of pitch velocity, exit velocity, launch angles, and spin rates, and defensive tracking of players, the new Hawk-Eye version in each ballpark employs a 12-camera array: five tracking pitches, seven trained on players, and each operating at 100 frames per second." The enhanced cameras will mean "no more blind spots, no more blind corners, and no more ceilings -- previous technology could not 'see' some high pop-ups."
- MLB "will focus on video engagement, gaming, and augmented reality on Snapchat." Fans "can create and share personalized videos using the MLB FilmRoom" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/21).
PLACE YOUR BETS: In L.A., Bill Shaikin reports MLB "plans to tempt fans to bet on the results of games, and on plays within those games, with contests that offer cash prizes." The MLB gaming apps "all are 'presented by BetMGM,' two years after MGM signed an agreement to become the first official gaming and entertainment partner of MLB." With gate revenue "projected for now at zero this season, and with the possibility of limited capacities in ballparks until a coronavirus vaccine is available, the imperative to accelerate sports betting is evident." The television-only season "provides a showcase for MLB initiatives" presented yesterday in a video conference, designed to "attract new fans and young fans to a sport with a persistently aging fan base" (L.A. TIMES, 7/21).
