If you follow baseball, you know statistics play a huge role — from how many hits and home runs a player makes during his career to the number of strikeouts.
Now, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking baseball analytics to the next level, helping teams refine their strategies and improve performance. The Houston Astros are credited with being at the forefront of using AI-driven analytics as far back as 2011, transforming them from a struggling team into World Series Champions.
Scouts also rely on AI to analyze player performance, giving them a leg up on who to recruit. This technology can also be used to evaluate whether the way a player moves or how he swings a bat makes him more susceptible to injury.
Recognizing that humans can make errors, AI-powered technology is being used to enhance accuracy when it comes to strike zones and close calls. Additionally, teams use AI to determine where an opposing batter is most likely to hit, allowing coaches to set up the field in anticipation of where a ball may fly.
But it’s not just about statistics. According to an article in Forbes, many players are using wearable technology with AI capabilities to monitor their health and physical condition. The data allows coaches to make decisions on whether an athlete should be on the field or the bench on any given day.
With AI reshaping every aspect of the game, the future of baseball might be a lot more high-tech than we ever imagined.