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ABS differences - MLB vs SEC
Posted on 5/20/26 at 6:53 pm
Posted on 5/20/26 at 6:53 pm
MLB
width - 17 inches (actual plate)
upper margin - 53.5% of height
lower margin - 27% of height
SEC
width - 19 inches (black included)
upper margin - 58% of height
lower margin - 23% of height
TLDR - SEC zone is considerably bigger than that of MLB
width - 17 inches (actual plate)
upper margin - 53.5% of height
lower margin - 27% of height
SEC
width - 19 inches (black included)
upper margin - 58% of height
lower margin - 23% of height
TLDR - SEC zone is considerably bigger than that of MLB
6
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:02 pm to LCLa
These aren’t pros.
There is also visual evidence of past seasons of ball and strike calls that the strike zone tightens up a little more at each step up in the minors.
There is also visual evidence of past seasons of ball and strike calls that the strike zone tightens up a little more at each step up in the minors.
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:02 pm to LCLa
It has to be. College pitchers have no where near the control of MLB pitchers
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:03 pm to LCLa
Context matters. The MLB ABS strike zone is smaller than the tradional zone.
From mlb.com
And I’ve seen many references to the fact that the MLB’s ABS zone is also smaller than the zone by definition.
So yes, the SEC zone is bigger but it doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Personally, the height seems fine. I don’t like the inclusion of the black of the plate even though I know a lot of umps include it
With all that said, the bigger zone favors LSU since our pitchers struggle to hit their mark.
From mlb.com
quote:
The data shows us that the umpire-called zone has had a maximum height of 55.6% and a 24.2% minimum at the bottom. So be it by umpire adjustment or challenges on close calls, we can expect a slightly tighter zone.
And I’ve seen many references to the fact that the MLB’s ABS zone is also smaller than the zone by definition.
So yes, the SEC zone is bigger but it doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Personally, the height seems fine. I don’t like the inclusion of the black of the plate even though I know a lot of umps include it
With all that said, the bigger zone favors LSU since our pitchers struggle to hit their mark.
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:06 pm to Allthatfades
No argument here, but the hitters, who also arent pros, are at a bigger disadvantage than their MLB counterparts.
And by definition they are pros. Most are getting paid.
My one problem with ABS is it should be 3 dimensional rather than 2. That part hurts pitchers, as pitches that catch the front or back of plate but not middle are not registered as strikes.
And by definition they are pros. Most are getting paid.
My one problem with ABS is it should be 3 dimensional rather than 2. That part hurts pitchers, as pitches that catch the front or back of plate but not middle are not registered as strikes.
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:11 pm to LCLa
quote:
TLDR - SEC zone is considerably bigger than that of MLB
This was my concern. I was afraid that the ABS zone would be different than the real world zone.
I have to say they nailed it.
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:11 pm to LCLa
The hitters are doing just fine it would seem.
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:15 pm to LCLa
IMHO the size of the zone isn't as important as consistency. As long as the zone is consistent pitchers and hitters can settle in. The problem is when the zone changes constantly and has the players second guessing everything.
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:15 pm to LCLa
Id like for the bottom and top of the zone to be reexamined a bit and tightened a percent or two. Other than that, its fine. The strineout on dardar was criminal to be a strike.
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:17 pm to josh336
quote:
Id like for the bottom and top of the zone to be reexamined a bit and tightened a percent or two. Other than that, its fine. The strineout on dardar was criminal to be a strike.
Even what I referenced earlier about the zone shrinking as you go up the minors is mainly about width. The top and bottom are generally consistent. There is merit to what you’re saying.
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:21 pm to ProjectP2294
Yea and im fine with a widened plate, i think it makes sense. But we have balls below the knees being called and curves above the letters being called. Ive always felt that bigger zones to an extent produce more offense at the college level, so maybe im yelling at clouds.
Side note, breaking balls pitchers like guidry prob excel more with this zone. Couldve been part of the thought going to him last night. Bend it in to this big zone
Side note, breaking balls pitchers like guidry prob excel more with this zone. Couldve been part of the thought going to him last night. Bend it in to this big zone
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:27 pm to notbilly
quote:
. I don’t like the inclusion of the black of the plate
It’s not included in the 17” but any part of the ball that touches the 17” is a strike meaning the zone is actually 17”+the width of the ball in each direction.
The black on the plate is supposed to be below dirt grade and unseen. Hard to understand how it can be included when it isn’t supposed to be visible.
This post was edited on 5/20/26 at 7:28 pm
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:28 pm to CDawson
But this zone is counting any ball that touches the black as a strike
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:31 pm to LCLa
Everyone seems really happy with it except you
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:31 pm to Allthatfades
quote:
College pitchers have no where near the control of MLB pitchers
They don't but at the same time this at least defines a zone. I've shot loads more defined that some of the SEC ump zones. I've never seen a pitcher squeezed as hard as skenes against Arkansas in 23.
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:40 pm to LCLa
Understood, that’s a 1” expansion on either side of the plate. The black is not supposed to be visible is my point.
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:44 pm to CDawson
An inch is a lot to some people
Posted on 5/20/26 at 7:59 pm to josh336
I thought in the games I watched yesterday and thus far today that the top of the zone was too high
Now that this thread has explained that it is different than MLB, whatever as long as it is consistent
Keep it and start yesterday implementing it
Now that this thread has explained that it is different than MLB, whatever as long as it is consistent
Keep it and start yesterday implementing it
Posted on 5/20/26 at 8:02 pm to ell_13
quote:
An inch is a lot to some people
Yep, and this is 2” which is life changing!
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