Summary

On September 4, 2025, the Oakland Ballers became the first professional baseball team to use AI to manage in-game decisions. Powered by AaronLytics from Distillery, the system controlled lineups, pitching changes, and pinch-hitting during a game they won 3–2.

While glitches appeared around rule exceptions, and the human manager still stepped in for issues like fatigue and injuries, most of the AI’s choices mirrored what a manager would have done.

The experiment showed that AI won’t replace coaches but can augment them — processing massive amounts of data, reducing bias, and supporting smarter decisions. It marks a bold step in blending sports and technology, with potential to reshape not just baseball but all of sport.

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