Expert: Sign-stealing, automated umpiring and tech in MLB

Rayvon Fouché, a professor of American studies in Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts, focuses on the intersection of sports, science and technology. He is author of the book, “Game Changer: The Technoscientific Revolution in Sports,” and has written about the use of technology to bend the rules and give athletes an edge throughout history. (Courtesy photo) Download image

WHO: As the 2020 season approaches, science and technology are changing Major League Baseball with the testing of automated umpiring, the controversial design of “juiced” baseballs or the Houston Astros’ complex sign-stealing system.

EXPERT: Rayvon Fouché, a professor of American studies in Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts, focuses on the intersection of sports, science and technology. He is author of the book “Game Changer: The Technoscientific Revolution in Sports” and has written about the use of technology to bend the rules and give athletes an edge throughout history.

QUOTE: “Stealing signs has been a part of the general nature of professional baseball from the beginning. But in the case of the Houston Astros, it became a problem the moment people started implementing tools and devices that helped them better steal signs.”

MORE INFORMATION: Fouché discusses his research on science and technology in sports in this episode of the “This is Purdue” podcast: Episode 3 – “Innovation and Inclusion.”

Writer: Joseph Paul, 765-494-9541, paul102@purdue.edu

Source: Rayvon Fouché, 765-494-7161, rfouche@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: An MLB image and headshot of Rayvon Fouché are available for via a Google Drive link: http://bit.ly/2wN25cO