The era of automated balls and strikes has arrived in Major League Baseball, and with it comes a surprising new chapter for New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Known for his fiery passion and a record-setting streak of five consecutive seasons leading the league in ejections, Boone has found an unexpected source of calm in 2026: the ABS challenge system.

Remarkably, Boone hasn't been tossed from a single game this season—a fact highlighted during his recent appearance on the "Starkville" podcast. The skipper admitted to hosts Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville that his cooler demeanor is directly tied to the new technology. With catchers, pitchers, or hitters able to appeal a call to the computerized system, Boone feels less need to personally confront the umpire.

"I thought (the ABS challenge system) was going to make me another layer of something to be upset about," Boone revealed. "But I'm changing my tune on that a little bit."

The Yankees have embraced the system, using their challenges relatively aggressively. Through Tuesday, the team had won 57% of their challenges, ranking 12th in MLB according to Codify Baseball. This strategy could stem from game situations, umpire accuracy, or perhaps Boone's own history, with the computer now acting as a buffer for his legendary competitive fire.

While the season is still young, Boone is optimistic about maintaining his composure. "I don't want to get kicked out of games, contrary to some opinions," he said, acknowledging one close call in Seattle. "The ABS is there... I actually think I'm going to be (ejected) less than I have in the past. But we'll see." For a manager whose ejections were once a staple of Yankee broadcasts, that's a tune change every baseball fan can hear.