For all the criticism umpires deservedly receive when they put forth a poor performance behind the plate, they absolutely deserve praise when they have an exceptional night at the ballpark.
After all, it’s extremely difficult to call balls and strikes accurately when you’re dealing with triple-digit velocity and two feet of horizontal break. That’s why MLB would benefit so much by having an automated strike zone — the technology is there.
Well, on Tuesday, we just about got a glimpse of what a robot ump would look like during the game between the Yankees and White Sox. And let me tell ya — it was a special performance.
Umpire: Gabe Morales
Final: Yankees 4, White Sox 1#RepBX // #WhiteSox#NYYvsCWS // #CWSvsNYYMore stats for this game 👇https://t.co/8gN4vFAfzi pic.twitter.com/sJIWP9WTQU
— Umpire Scorecards (@UmpScorecards) August 14, 2024
According to Ump Scorecards, Gabe Morales called 99.4 percent of taken pitches accurately in the game. It was the best-called game this season across MLB, and Morales did so with a high volume of taken pitches. Out of the 174 pitches taken in the ballgame, his lone missed call came in the fifth inning on the most borderline of would-be strikes to Giancarlo Stanton. This was how close Morales came to a perfectly called game:
It really doesn’t get any closer than that.
Since Ump Scorecards started tracking performance, only Pat Hoberg — who is suspended this season amid alleged gambling activity — has called a perfect game (in the World Series!). Morales’ performance on Tuesday was right up there with that.
Fans were understandably impressed with the effort from Morales. For one night, he was a robot.
This was how Twitter/X reacted
Shoutout to Gabe we love to see this. https://t.co/svPUTB1iNs pic.twitter.com/omAaEv0sBu
— Anthony Bourne 🌟 (@AJ_Bourne25) August 14, 2024
Another example of a top-25 umpire. Kudos, Gabe. Solid night around the league. Must’ve been a busy night for younger umpires behind the plate. 🙄 https://t.co/h6kA5VveEY
— Shawn Temple (@prcsports1) August 14, 2024
W Gabe https://t.co/jjEnUkCQuX
— jeff hoffman fan (@vinnieP5701) August 14, 2024
Best thing I can say about an ump is I didn't notice him, and that's how yesterday felt https://t.co/5CEM073iBO
— Cashman’s Burner (@Mark_Trova) August 14, 2024
This is phenomenal. Gabe Ruth over here. https://t.co/njJQdD1bGt
— AJ Gonzalez (@AJontheguitar) August 14, 2024
True, I didn't even notice an umpire last night. How it should be https://t.co/LUWli3jT67
— T.Perkins (@peddyterkinss) August 14, 2024
It’s so beautiful 🥲🥲 https://t.co/Cwi2moAoPg
— Megan (@mntwinsfan07) August 14, 2024
gabe please share your secrets with your coworkers https://t.co/baXcEWKFaq
— nerdydodger (@nerdyDodger) August 14, 2024
Almost saw a perfect game https://t.co/vHjHbzOmsc pic.twitter.com/2ZwfAVZD3W
— scott 🧦 (@FleecedByGetz) August 14, 2024
