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ABS challenge system coming to SEC Baseball Tournament, league announces
TL;DR
The SEC Baseball Tournament will introduce the Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) system for the first time from May 19-24. This system, already in use in MLB, allows teams to challenge ball and strike calls.
Key points
- SEC Baseball Tournament will use ABS system for the first time
- ABS system allows challenges on ball and strike calls
- Implementation dates are May 19-24
- ABS system is already in use in MLB
ABS challenge system coming to SEC Baseball Tournament, league announces
The Automatic Ball-Strike system is coming to college baseball for the first time at the SEC Baseball Tournament.
ABS, which is making its debut in MLB this season, will be adopted by the SEC in the conference tournament this season from May 19-24, the league announced on May 4.
REQUIRED READING: MLB ABS system stats are coming in: What players are best at challenges?
Pitchers, catchers and hitters can challenge balls and strikes throughout the game with ABS. While MLB teams are granted two challenges per game and get to retain their challenge if they're successful, SEC teams will be allowed three ABS challenges, according to the announcement.
D1 Baseball's Kendall Rogers, who first reported the news, reported challenges must be made within 2-3 seconds of the pitch, or the challenge won't be accepted. Each team will also get one extra challenge in extra innings.
“The introduction of this challenge system at the SEC Tournament reflects our continued commitment to innovation,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said. “This addition represents a continued step forward for our game, aligns more closely with the professional level and supports the development of our student-athletes as they prepare for success at the next level.”
COLLEGE BASEBALL RANKINGS: Updated USA TODAY Sports Coaches poll, top 25 polls
The Savannah Bananas defeated the Texas Tailgaters inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
More than 60,000 fans filled Doak Campbell Stadium to experience the Savannah Bananas play against the Texas Tailgaters in Banana Ball on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
The Savannah Bananas defeated the Texas Tailgaters inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
The Savannah Bananas defeated the Texas Tailgaters inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
More than 60,000 fans filled Doak Campbell Stadium to experience the Savannah Bananas play against the Texas Tailgaters in Banana Ball on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
Savannah Bananas dr Malachi Mitchell flips scoring during the game with the Party Animals at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Fans pack the stadium, 81,000 in attendance before the game with the Savannah Bananas and Party Animals at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Party Animals dance before the game with the Savannah Bananas at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas and Party Animals greets fans in the upper deck at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Savannah Bananas Banana Baby, cued with Lion King music, lifted to the crowd, before the game with the Party Animals at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Party Animals infielder Dustin Baber (9) toasts the crowd with a mug of beer before batting during the game with the Savannah Bananas at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Clemson football Head Coach smiles after running down he hill with the Savannah Bananas at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
ESPN will broadcast Savannah Bananas games this summer, offering a unique and entertaining twist on baseball. From April to August, these games will take place at MLB and football stadiums across the country, promising a one-of-a-kind baseball experience.
See the best photos of the unique group performing and playing over the years.
Savannah Bananas dancing 1st base coach Maceo Harrison flips over Bananas mascot, Split, during Banana Fest on Saturday February 25, 2023 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
Eric Byrnes waves to the crowd after being dunked Tuesday night outside Grayson Stadium. Byrnes was introduced as the head coach for the Banana Ball World Tour.
Savannah Bananas dancing first base coach Maceo Harrison flips through the air as team owner Jesse Cole introduces him at Grayson Stadium.
Savannah Bananas' Alex Ziegler balances a bat on the brim of his hat during Banana Fest on Saturday February 25, 2023 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole is joined by Bananas players as they entertain the crowd during Banana Fest on February 25, 2023 at Grayson Stadium.
Mar 31, 2023; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Savannah Bananas pitcher Kyle Luigs (12) celebrates with catcher Bill Leroy (1) after the first inning against the Savannah Party Animals at Scottsdale Stadium.
Mar 31, 2023; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Savannah Bananas first base coach flips over Savannah Party Animals players as pitcher Kyle Luigs (12) looks on in the third inning at Scottsdale Stadium.
Savannah Bananas pitchers Mat Wolf (left) and Dakota Albritton (right) dance in the fourth inning against the Savannah Party Animals at Scottsdale Stadium on Mar. 31, 2023.
Fans compete in the Pie to the Face relay race during the game between the Savannah Bananas a nd the Savannah Party Animals at Scottsdale Stadium on Mar 31, 2023.
Savannah Bananas pitcher Dakota Albritton (14) throws in the eighth inning against the Savannah Party Animals at Scottsdale Stadium on Mar 31, 2023.
Alex Ziegler balances a shield on his nose as he performs for the crowd before the start of the Savannah Bananas game against the Aussie Drop Bears on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
An official Man-Nana walks the dugout Friday, June 30, 2023, during the Savannah Bananas World Tour at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
Savannah Bananas Mat Wolf (4) sits by second base on a barrel Friday, June 30, 2023, during the Savannah Bananas World Tour at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
August 3, 2023 : Mark "Swaggy" Lane stands with the team during the National Anthem before the start of the Savannah Bananas home game against the Party Animals at Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia. Lane, who has a rare seizure disorder was granted his dream to be a Savannah Banana for a day through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Split rides around on an electric bicycle during the Savannah Bananas first home game of the season on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
Jesse Cole has a young fan check a banana for ripeness before the start of the Savannah Bananas first home game of the season on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
The baby banana is introduced during a baseball game between Savannah Bananas and the Party Animals at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Thursday, May, 16, 2024.
May 24, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Savannah Bananas first base coach Maceo Harrison does a flip before a game of Banana Ball against the Party Animals in front of a sold out at Huntington Park on Friday evening.
May 24, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ryan Cox (6) and Jackson Olson (8) of the Savannah Bananas warm up by second base at Huntington Park on Friday evening.
Savannah Bananas players toss paper into the air while performing a song on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
Saturday, June 8, 2024; Boston MA-Savannah Bananas dancing first base coach Maceo Harrison does a back flip during a pre-show party at Fenway Park on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
A staff member catches a banana Thursday, June 27, 2024, during a Savannah Bananas World Tour show at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
Savannah Bananas extra hitter Alex Ziegler (10) balances a ladder on his chin Thursday, June 27, 2024, during a Savannah Bananas World Tour show at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
The Savannah Bananas mascot Split gestures toward the crowd Thursday, June 27, 2024, during a Savannah Bananas World Tour show at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
The Savannah Banana dance Thursday, June 27, 2024, during a Savannah Bananas World Tour show at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
Savannah Bananas Alex Ziegler (10) balances a giant hat on his nose ahead of their game on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 for their first game of the series at Louisville Slugger Field in Louisville, Ky.
The Savannah Bananas compete against the Party Animals in a banana ball game in front of a sold-out crowd at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.
Members of the Man-Nana crew dance during a game between the Savannah Bananas and The Firefighters at Fenway Park on July 05, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Fans compete in the Pie to the Face relay race during the game between the Savannah Bananas and the Savannah Party Animals at Scottsdale Stadium on Mar 31, 2023 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Savannah Bananas utility player Dakota Albritton throws in the seventh inning against the Savannah Party Animals at Sloan Park on Apr 25, 2024 in Mesa, Ariz.
Savannah Bananas outfielder Reese Alexiades watches his ball's flight during the Savannah Bananas game against the Texas Tailgaters Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa.
A dressed up Party Animals fans cheers on the team during the Banana Ball Championship series semifinal game on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Ga.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
The Savannah Bananas defeated the Texas Tailgaters inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
1 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
The Savannah Bananas defeated the Texas Tailgaters inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
2 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
More than 60,000 fans filled Doak Campbell Stadium to experience the Savannah Bananas play against the Texas Tailgaters in Banana Ball on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
3 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
The Savannah Bananas defeated the Texas Tailgaters inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
4 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
The Savannah Bananas defeated the Texas Tailgaters inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
5 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
More than 60,000 fans filled Doak Campbell Stadium to experience the Savannah Bananas play against the Texas Tailgaters in Banana Ball on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
6 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas dr Malachi Mitchell flips scoring during the game with the Party Animals at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
7 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Fans pack the stadium, 81,000 in attendance before the game with the Savannah Bananas and Party Animals at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Party Animals dance before the game with the Savannah Bananas at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
9 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas and Party Animals greets fans in the upper deck at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
10 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas Banana Baby, cued with Lion King music, lifted to the crowd, before the game with the Party Animals at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
11 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Party Animals infielder Dustin Baber (9) toasts the crowd with a mug of beer before batting during the game with the Savannah Bananas at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
12 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Clemson football Head Coach smiles after running down he hill with the Savannah Bananas at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 26, 2025.
13 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
ESPN will broadcast Savannah Bananas games this summer, offering a unique and entertaining twist on baseball. From April to August, these games will take place at MLB and football stadiums across the country, promising a one-of-a-kind baseball experience.
See the best photos of the unique group performing and playing over the years.
14 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas dancing 1st base coach Maceo Harrison flips over Bananas mascot, Split, during Banana Fest on Saturday February 25, 2023 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
15 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Eric Byrnes waves to the crowd after being dunked Tuesday night outside Grayson Stadium. Byrnes was introduced as the head coach for the Banana Ball World Tour.
16 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas dancing first base coach Maceo Harrison flips through the air as team owner Jesse Cole introduces him at Grayson Stadium.
17 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas' Alex Ziegler balances a bat on the brim of his hat during Banana Fest on Saturday February 25, 2023 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole is joined by Bananas players as they entertain the crowd during Banana Fest on February 25, 2023 at Grayson Stadium.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Mar 31, 2023; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Savannah Bananas pitcher Kyle Luigs (12) celebrates with catcher Bill Leroy (1) after the first inning against the Savannah Party Animals at Scottsdale Stadium.
20 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Mar 31, 2023; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Savannah Bananas first base coach flips over Savannah Party Animals players as pitcher Kyle Luigs (12) looks on in the third inning at Scottsdale Stadium.
21 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas pitchers Mat Wolf (left) and Dakota Albritton (right) dance in the fourth inning against the Savannah Party Animals at Scottsdale Stadium on Mar. 31, 2023.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Fans compete in the Pie to the Face relay race during the game between the Savannah Bananas a nd the Savannah Party Animals at Scottsdale Stadium on Mar 31, 2023.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas pitcher Dakota Albritton (14) throws in the eighth inning against the Savannah Party Animals at Scottsdale Stadium on Mar 31, 2023.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Alex Ziegler balances a shield on his nose as he performs for the crowd before the start of the Savannah Bananas game against the Aussie Drop Bears on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
An official Man-Nana walks the dugout Friday, June 30, 2023, during the Savannah Bananas World Tour at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas Mat Wolf (4) sits by second base on a barrel Friday, June 30, 2023, during the Savannah Bananas World Tour at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
27 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
August 3, 2023 : Mark "Swaggy" Lane stands with the team during the National Anthem before the start of the Savannah Bananas home game against the Party Animals at Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia. Lane, who has a rare seizure disorder was granted his dream to be a Savannah Banana for a day through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Split rides around on an electric bicycle during the Savannah Bananas first home game of the season on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Jesse Cole has a young fan check a banana for ripeness before the start of the Savannah Bananas first home game of the season on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
The baby banana is introduced during a baseball game between Savannah Bananas and the Party Animals at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Thursday, May, 16, 2024.
31 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
May 24, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Savannah Bananas first base coach Maceo Harrison does a flip before a game of Banana Ball against the Party Animals in front of a sold out at Huntington Park on Friday evening.
32 / 45
Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
May 24, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ryan Cox (6) and Jackson Olson (8) of the Savannah Bananas warm up by second base at Huntington Park on Friday evening.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas players toss paper into the air while performing a song on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Historic Grayson Stadium.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Saturday, June 8, 2024; Boston MA-Savannah Bananas dancing first base coach Maceo Harrison does a back flip during a pre-show party at Fenway Park on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
A staff member catches a banana Thursday, June 27, 2024, during a Savannah Bananas World Tour show at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas extra hitter Alex Ziegler (10) balances a ladder on his chin Thursday, June 27, 2024, during a Savannah Bananas World Tour show at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
The Savannah Bananas mascot Split gestures toward the crowd Thursday, June 27, 2024, during a Savannah Bananas World Tour show at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
The Savannah Banana dance Thursday, June 27, 2024, during a Savannah Bananas World Tour show at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas Alex Ziegler (10) balances a giant hat on his nose ahead of their game on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 for their first game of the series at Louisville Slugger Field in Louisville, Ky.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
The Savannah Bananas compete against the Party Animals in a banana ball game in front of a sold-out crowd at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Members of the Man-Nana crew dance during a game between the Savannah Bananas and The Firefighters at Fenway Park on July 05, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Fans compete in the Pie to the Face relay race during the game between the Savannah Bananas and the Savannah Party Animals at Scottsdale Stadium on Mar 31, 2023 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas utility player Dakota Albritton throws in the seventh inning against the Savannah Party Animals at Sloan Park on Apr 25, 2024 in Mesa, Ariz.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
Savannah Bananas outfielder Reese Alexiades watches his ball's flight during the Savannah Bananas game against the Texas Tailgaters Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa.
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Savannah Bananas: See the best photos of the unique team
A dressed up Party Animals fans cheers on the team during the Banana Ball Championship series semifinal game on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 at Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Ga.
The conference also confirmed the pitch location on the electronic strike zone will be displayed on the video board at Hoover Metropolitan Complex in Hoover, Alabama, where the tournament is being held.
It's not the first time the SEC has experimented with rules changes at the SEC Baseball Tournament. The league introduced a double first base at the conference tournament in 2024, giving runners and fielders extra room to avoid potential collisions.
The ABS has received mostly strong reviews since being introduced in MLB this season. Should it be equally as well-regarded at the college level, ABS could potentially find its way into more than just the SEC Baseball Tournament at the college level.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ABS challenge system coming to SEC Baseball Tournament
Q&A
What is the Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) system in baseball?
The Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) system is a technology that allows teams to challenge ball and strike calls made by umpires.
When will the ABS system be implemented in the SEC Baseball Tournament?
The ABS system will be implemented during the SEC Baseball Tournament from May 19-24.
How does the ABS challenge system work in college baseball?
The ABS challenge system allows teams to contest ball and strike decisions, utilizing technology to determine the correct calls.
Is the ABS system being used in any other baseball leagues?
Yes, the ABS system is currently being used in Major League Baseball (MLB) this season.