Cooperstown, New York – MLB Commissioner Bud Selig confirmed on Thursday that the MLB Instant Reply program will be expanding in 2014. Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz, a member of the replay committee, estimates that 89% of incorrect calls in the past will be reviewable.
Touching upon an earlier Preacher’s Row article on May 18th, I wanted to share my 2-cents worth on what has now become a national phenomenon and made us an Instant Replay Nation.
First off, with the proliferation of smart phones, digital cameras, smart pads, and smart everything, video content is everywhere. Never before has our great nation been so ensconced with taking pictures and video of just about everything under the sun. Even Preacher Collins has fallen prey to this infectious habit of whipping out my smart phone, at even the most mundane event, pretending I’m the next Andy Warhol or Annie Leibovitz.
With the advent of Instagram and the new video posting functionality (which I love), this phenomenon has risen to new levels outside of and eclipsing the traditional Facebook realm, which already has gobbled up our collective souls. Now when you happen to see a bird attack a squirrel, a cute baby eating chocolate ice cream with their fingers, or scenery worthy of a Thomas Kincaid painting, you can capture it and post it within milliseconds. They should probably make this an Olympic event!
And in the sports realm, with ever-increasing video technology enhancements and pressure from fans having more technology in their pockets than NASA, more and more sports will undoubtedly succumb to implementing some sort of policy on Instant Replays. The technology helps eliminate human error, yes, but what will it do to interrupting the pace and spirit of the game?
Now after indulging in such high-minded intellectual banter, let’s move on to my Hero & Villain of the Week!
Hero of the Week: Zach Hodskins
For making the University of Florida’s basketball team roster as a walk-on…with only one arm! Zach is currently a high school guard in Alpharetta, GA. and was born without the lower half of his left arm due to a birth defect. But he didn’t let it keep him for reaching for his goal.
“When I’m out [on the court], I forget my arm isn’t there and just play ball,” Hodskins told the News-Herald of northern Ohio. “Passion and love for the sport helps me overcome all obstacles. To this day. I haven’t come across anything I can’t do.”
Thats great Zach. To this day, I haven’t found much that I could do with all my limbs and faculties relatively in tact. So your story makes me want to go outside and light myself on fire…
Villain of the Week: Johnny Manziel
The Texas A&M Aggie Star Quarterback and Heisman Trophy Winner allegedly has been selling his autograph, in violation of NCAA rules. Personally, I find it repulsive thinking of a father or mother of a little kid who looks up to that player (or any fan for that matter) shelling out hard-earned cash for an autograph.
It should be part of the game and part of the price of fame for star players to show a little bit of love to their fans. What do you think?
Well that’s all for Preacher’s Row for now, be safe, be kind, and stay tuned for my buddy Cheesy Bruin tomorrow.
