Ball or strike? Why the count may change what a baseball umpire sees

AI Summary

A study of baseball umpiring finds that borderline pitches are more likely to be called strikes when the count is three balls and no strikes than when it is no balls and two strikes. The official strike zone is unchanged, suggesting that the count influences umpires’ judgments.

In baseball, a borderline pitch is more likely to be called a strike when the batter has three balls and no strikes than when the count is no balls and two strikes. The official strike zone hasn't changed. The umpire's judgment has.