Bonus Content: Dodgers Inaugurate ABS Era — Much To Fans’ Surprise And Delight
My latest column on the California Post is about the most significant change in the rules of Major League Baseball to come along in decades…
From time to time, I now write a column on Major League Baseball, with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Dodgers. But you are signed up to get information on California politics. These will be occasional (every few weeks?), and labeled as bonus content. Don’t care to read it? Just delete it. -Jon
Did you know our content is now available for your listening pleasure? Find our Podcast Channel: SO DOES IT MATTER? SPOKEN on your favorite podcasting app, or click here.
Baseball Just Changed — And Most Fans Didn’t See It Coming
Opening Day at Dodger Stadium had everything you’d expect. A packed house, championship energy, and a production that felt more like Hollywood than baseball. Even a Will Ferrell cameo turned into a full-on on-field moment that brought the crowd to life.
But the most important moment of the night wasn’t the ceremony, the flyover, or even the final score. It was something much smaller — and much more significant.
Early in the game, something happened that caused more than 50,000 people to go quiet at the exact same time. A pitch was called, a player reacted instantly, and suddenly everything stopped. Fans turned toward the video board, trying to figure out what they were seeing.
Seconds later, the answer appeared, and with it, a glimpse into baseball’s future. The call was overturned quickly, cleanly, and without drama. The crowd settled just as fast — and if anything, seemed impressed.
No argument. No delay. Just a correction.
Major League Baseball has spent years trying to modernize the game by improving pace and tightening the action. Those changes made the game faster, but they didn’t address one of the sport's most frustrating aspects. This one does.
It goes right at the heart of the game itself — and fixes something that’s been a problem for decades.
I was there behind home plate watching it unfold in real time, with a perfect view of every pitch over the plate. The crowd's reaction told you everything you needed to know about how this would be received. This isn’t a gimmick — it’s a shift.
In my latest column for the California Post, I break down what happened, why it matters, and what this means for the future of baseball.
Read the full column HERE.
It’s in the print version, too!
Even if you’re not a hardcore baseball fan, this one is worth your time.
For those really curious about this new feature in MLB, I found the ultimate video that is worth your time. It’s really good. It’s curated as a thank you to our paid subscribers below!
