We don’t have wireless bullpen phones, but that’s a good thing

Last offseason there was a big announcement by MLB and T-Mobile about replacing the bullpen phones with a high-tech wireless system. You’ll notice, however, -- as Ira Boudway of BusinessWeek did -- that teams are still using the landlines. The comment from T-Mobile on the matter:

T-Mobile and MLB have been testing the In-Game Communications System in MLB non-game situations in several ballparks throughout the year and that testing is ongoing. As the In-Game Communication system is part of the field-of-play, T-Mobile and Major League Baseball agree that it is very important that before the technology is installed in ballparks for in-game use, the system needs to be game-ready. When the In-Game Communications System is game-ready, we will launch it in a couple of stadiums, to start. And then, we will roll it out to other ballparks from there.

I realize a lot of people were skeptical of the change to begin with as it appeared driven by a sponsorship relationship rather than an actual technological need. I also realize that people may, as they often to, choose to poke fun at MLB or T-Mobile for the system not being up and operating as promised. The default in most instances, actually, is to poke fun at MLB.

But really, I think this is a good moment to actually praise Major League Baseball for making sure that the game isn’t interrupted with technical issues. I’m guessing there was some pressure on them from some person with a ledger to make it happen regardless for purposes of making some T-Mobile money in ads and placement and things. That they didn’t because they’re still trying to make the system work and not screw up the on-field product is commendable.