They’re the two words that herald the coming of spring, the promise of warm sunshine and long days, the sound of bat-on-ball and the return of the boys of summer: Play ball!

Beginning Thursday, the automated ball and strike system will allow players to challenge umpires’ calls. If all goes well, the system could debut in regular season games as soon as next year.

As the MLB season quickly approaches, the teams and their players are in Arizona and Florida, perfecting their game as they prepare for the first pitch of the regular season in the Cactus League and the Grapefruit League.