While millions of consumers will soon pencil in new iPhone 4s to their multimedia rotations, Apple really should be taking a swing at developing a state-of-the-art instant replay system for Major League Baseball.
With little hope of a relief appearance by Apple before the playoffs, these ten iPhone apps are worthy of midseason call-ups.
EyeChart
Jim Joyce’s mea culpa after blowing Armando Galarraga’s perfect game bid was commendable. But wouldn’t everybody be happier if he got the call right in the first place? For Joyce and every other umpire in need of a eye exam, this 99-cent app is just what the doctor ordered.
A virtual optometrist, it’s a shame EyeChart can’t do anything to dry Joyce’s tear ducts. As we all know, there’s no crying in baseball.
Hand Massage Map
The only member of the Washington Nationals franchise not looking forward to the debut of rookie fire-baller Stephen Strasburg is catcher Wil Nieves. Who would want to be on the receiving end of dozens of 100 MPH+ pitches over the course of a few hours?
Thankfully for Nieves, he is able to dial-up some relief in the form of this $1.99 application, which he’ll no doubt want to tap into every five days or so.
Alarm Clock.
In the post-greenie era of Major League Baseball, it’s hard for anyone – much less 40-something players – to stay awake for entire games. Before closing out a once-in-a-generation career last month, Ken Griffey Jr. reportedly went into sleep mode in the Seattle Mariners dugout.
Jamie Moyer (47), Tim Wakefield (43) and Trevor Hoffman (42) may want to invest in this 99-cent app, which allows them to literally slip an alarm clock into their back pockets.
Expanding the playing field for iPhone apps
Basketball Rule Book
After NBA commissioner David Stern let Dywane Wade know he was traveling in ambiguous legal waters with his plans to host a summit for elite free agents, the Miami Heat All-Star guard may want to take a shot at this reference app.
While Basketball Rule Book doesn’t really drill down into things like tampering, its free price-point may entice Wade to take a hometown discount when he likely resigns with the Heat (as opposed to his real hometown of Chicago, as he has no plans to run with the Bulls organization.)
Attention!!
Just because Chris Rock can afford to be within an earshot of Kobe Bryant during the NBA Finals, it is virtually impossible to get the NBA’s best player to multitask during a game.
Next time Rock wants to get Bryant to take notice of his antics, he should download this 99-cent application, which has an entire playbook around getting one’s attention. Of course, if that doesn’t work he can always point out to Kobe that Shaq was first to have his own iPhone app.
Wizard Wand
With the passing of legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, the debate shifts to who is the most visionary college basketball coach still alive. Duke’s Coach K, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Louisville’s Rick Pitino will never match the Wizard of Westwood. Winning this 99-cent game 13 times – including seven in a row – may be as close as they’ll ever get.
Etiquette by Emily Post
With the Fliers in the Stanley Cup Finals and the Phillies looking to be perennial contenders, the rude, abrasive and sometimes criminal behavior of Philadelphia sports fans is on display to the world.
Downloading this 99-cent application, which teaches proper manners, may dissuade Philly fans from vomiting on others in the bleachers or totaling cars with license plates from rival teams towns.
iClay
If Rafael Nadal wants to retain his number one ranking, his best bet is to play on as many clay courts as possible. After winning yet another French Open, Nadal is now 38-1 in that Grand Slam Tournament.
This 99-cent novelty app is designed to virtually turn your iPhone into clay. Now only if could convert grass into clay before Wimbledon.
uStream Live Broadcaster
Tim Tebow is the most famous third string quarterback of all time. With the Brett Favre watch on hold until he recovers from wrist surgery, the Denver Bronco’s rookie is arguably the NFL’s biggest marketing asset heading into training camp.
With the help of this free app, which streams live video captured on the iPhone to the web, the world could be treated to its own special 24/7 Tebow Show.
TripAssist by Expedia
Once the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Playoffs wrap up, the North American sports menu is limited until the MLB Pennant races heat up and the start of the NFL Season.
This free iPhone app from Expedia might be the best place to try to find a last-minute ticket to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. There’s no penalty for using your hands to try to find the best deal.
Josh Fliegel contributed to this article.
