After a Whirlwind Winter, Spring Training Arrives—And It Brought a Brand-New Twist
If you thought this offseason’s biggest buzz would be about blockbuster trades and flashy free-agent signings, think again. Yes, teams have been busy retooling rosters, but the real show-stealer in the Cactus League opener between the Dodgers and the Cubs was Major League Baseball’s new Automated Ball-Strike challenge system (ABS)—a sort of “VAR”(football/soccer fans shudder) for baseball, if you will.
A New Era of Challenges
For this Belgium-based baseball newbie, the ABS system feels like stepping into a futuristic dimension of America’s pastime. Picture this: the batter takes a pitch, the umpire calls it a ball, and suddenly the pitcher taps his head to “challenge” the call. Within seconds, we see a high-tech strike zone display on the stadium screen, confirming or overturning the ump’s decision. It’s a fascinating dance of tradition and technology—one that had fans, players, and yes, even umpires, on their toes.
The First Homerun—And One Distracted Dog
Amid the high-tech excitement, there was still that classic baseball magic in the air. Dodgers outfielder Eddie Rosario kicked off the festivities with the game’s first home run, sending the ball sailing over the center-field wall. I watched the moment alongside my faithful (though easily diverted) dog, Zora, who was much more interested in her squeaky tennis ball than in any home run heroics. Let’s just say when I clapped, Zora squeaked right along in perfect—if unintentional—harmony.
Home Run!
Eddie Rosario slugs the first home run of Spring Training—right between Zora’s ears!
A Painful Reminder of How Hard They Hit
The Cubs eventually poured on the runs to the tune of a 12–4 final, but the scariest moment came when a blistering line drive smacked Dodgers right-hander Bobby Miller on the crown of his cap. He went down to one knee, and everyone held their breath. Fortunately, he exited under his own power.
As a relative outsider to baseball, I can only imagine what a 100+ mph ball to the head must feel like. Last year, I got my first taste of “baseball danger” when my 12-year-old daughter accidentally lobbed a soft toss that clonked me right on the skull. It hurt more than I’d care to admit—enough to remind me that if a casual toss can leave you seeing stars, a professional shot off the bat is a whole different galaxy of pain.
High Scores, Warmer Days & A Belgian’s Take
Seeing double-digit runs this early in spring is exhilarating, not unlike watching a football preseason match that ends 5–4 instead of the usual 1–0 snoozer. Here in Belgium, where winter has been equal parts chilly and damp, the notion of spring training is a welcome sign that sunshine and baseball are both on the horizon.
With the ABS system taking center stage and a flurry of big hits in just one afternoon, it’s clear this spring will be anything but dull. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into the game, sharing a few more squeaks with Zora (her tennis ball in tow), and seeing just how accurate this new challenge technology can be.
Looking Ahead
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a fellow newcomer to the sport, there’s something undeniably fun about this experimental phase of baseball. It’s a chance for teams to fine-tune lineups and try out rising prospects—and for fans to soak in the sunshine, the spectacle, and the sheer wonder of a brand-new season. Here’s to more homers, fewer bruises, and the start of a spring that promises all sorts of surprises.
Welcome to Spring Training 2025—let the head-tapping challenges and squeaky-ball celebrations begin!
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