Legendary Bad Umpire CB Bucknor Gets Humiliated By ABS Challenge System
OutKick • • sports
Key Points:
- The introduction of the automated ball and strike (ABS) system in MLB has exposed significant inaccuracies in umpire calls, leading to frequent challenges and overturned decisions early in the 2026 season.
- Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez notably challenged home plate umpire Doug Eddings multiple times on strike zone calls, resulting in several overturned calls.
- Umpire CB Bucknor had a particularly poor performance in a Red Sox vs. Reds game, with six calls overturned by ABS, including multiple missed strikes by over two inches.
- The ABS system, while improving call accuracy, may lengthen game times due to increased challenges, counteracting MLB’s efforts to speed up play despite the success of the pitch clock.
- The ongoing protection of underperforming umpires by the umpires union raises concerns about the balance between game pace and officiating quality.
