PHOENIX — Baseball Hall of Fame president Josh Rawitch was on hand Thursday, but didn’t ask for any artifacts for the museum.

History was made Thursday with the first use of the automated ball-strike challenge system during the spring training game between the Cubs and Dodgers in front of 10,959 fans at Camelback Ranch.

Poteet and Muncy will forever be immortalized in ABS history; the former the first major-league pitcher to make a challenge, with Muncy becoming the first big-league player to be victimized by a challenge.

Yet, the only ones actually celebrating on this glorious 75-degree day were MLB executive vice president Morgan Sword, who was on hand along with other MLB executives, and veteran umpire Tony Randazzo behind the plate.

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The challenge system, which even included iPads in each dugout for players to voice their complaints if desired, couldn’t have gone better.

There were only two challenges the entire game.

One successful challenge.

And zero complaints.

“Everything worked well on Day 1,’’ Sword said. “A good first step.’’

Any glitches at all?

“None,’’ Sword said.

Instant success … at least for a day.

The historic moment, if you want to call it that, occurred in the bottom of the first inning when Poteet faced Muncy. He threw a 95-mph fastball that clipped the bottom of the zone on an 0-1 pitch, but it was called a ball. Poteet was convinced it was a strike and immediately challenged. The pitch was shown on the scoreboard, and in a matter of seconds, the call was immediately overturned.

The Cubs retained their challenge.

And history was made.

“It’s cool to be the one to fire away,’’ Poteet said, surrounded by reporters. “I wasn’t shy about it for sure.’’

The Dodgers couldn’t help but laugh at the irony that Muncy was the victim of the first challenge. Manager Dave Roberts said before the game that anyone on the team would be permitted to challenge a call with a lone exception: Muncy.

“I told Muncy not to challenge,’’ Roberts said. “He’s our biggest culprit of not agreeing with the strike zone, so I said, ‘Save your challenges.”

Said Muncy: “Freddie (Freeman) said I was banned from being able to challenge. I came in here and he’s waiting at my locker and laughing in my face that I was the one that got a challenge on. … It’s funny how it worked out that I was the one that got challenged on.’’

Yet, there was no argument by Muncy. He knew it was a strike before it was shown on the right-field scoreboard.

“I was pretty positive it was a strike,’’ Muncy said. “He called it, and I look out, and the pitcher looked very excited to challenge that one. I knew it was going to get overturned.’’

Poteet, of course, had an advantage. He has spent most of his 10-year professional career in the minors. He knows how the system works.

“Using it a little bit last year,’’ Poteet said, “I guess it felt normal.’’

Really, the Dodgers and Cubs said afterwards, nothing felt out of the ordinary.

Roberts, who said before the game that he hadn’t made a decision on whether he’d be a fan, jumped on the bandwagon after the game.

“It was good,’’ Roberts said. “I think it’s actually a pretty good system. Obviously, trying to figure out how many challenges make the most sense in a major-league ballgame. …

“But I like it, especially in a big spot you want to get the call right.’’

The operation was so smooth on Thursday that fans and scouts in the stands didn’t even flinch. If there are no hiccups this spring, MLB may adapt it as early as the 2026 season for regular-season and postseason games.

It could be around forever, just like instant replay is here to stay.

The ultimate decision will be made by MLB’s competition committee, but union chief Tony Clark and the players hope they listen to their voice.

“We’re the ones with our livelihood, and our careers are being affected by it,’’ Dodgers veteran outfielder Michael Conforto said. “So hopefully we have a say whatever happens. I know there’s a competition committee, and a group that’s making decisions, but it’s a pretty drastic move. It’s a pretty big change in the game.

“We have to be really thoughtful about how it’s going to work.’’

It could certainly provide an influx of jobs for folks in analytic departments. They’ll be jamming algorithms in their computers to determine the most advantageous time to ask for a challenge, along with who is and isn’t permitted to seek a challenge.

“There’s definitely going to be an analytics deep-dive in the best situations to do it,’’ Conforto said. “It opens up a new area of the game. Can you use it only with men on? Men in scoring position? After the fifth inning? After the seventh? You don’t want to leave anything on the table.’’

But Conforto can save the Dodgers a whole lot of time and energy: Here’s who’ll be permitted to challenge in a game.

“Shohei (Ohtani), Freddie (Freeman) and Mookie (Betts) can challenge as much as they want,’’ Conforto says. “That’s fair. If you’re headed to the Hall of Fame, you get to use it.’’

No one is going to rush to any conclusions quite yet, with this being the first game of the spring and with ABS being tested in 13 different ballparks in Arizona and Florida. Teams are permitted just two challenges, only by the pitcher, catcher or hitter. And the challenge must be made immediately without any assistance from the dugout or any other player on the field.

If you challenge and you’re wrong, you lose a challenge. If you challenge and you’re right, you retain the challenge, just like the way instant replay works.

“There will be a little give and take,’’ says Dodgers pitcher Michael Grove, who has pitched part of the past four seasons in the minors, “but I’m sure everyone will hate it.’’

Grove laughed, but was curious to see how it differs from the minors to the big leagues.

“It’s going to be interesting to see if the veterans like it or not,’’ Grove said. “I thought it was OK, but Triple-A is a little different because they change the zones a little bit. They shaved off a little bit up and down, which I didn’t love. But the challenge system is weird because you can blow through all of those, and people get frustrated in the first inning.

“So, there’s some strategy involved. If you’re using one in the first inning, you better be adamant.’’

Poteet agreed, saying he challenged it in the first inning only because he had no doubt he was right. Yet, if it were the first inning of a real game, well, maybe there could be a little hesitation.

“I don’t know all the strategy that would go all into it in a nine-inning, big-league game,’’ Poteet said, “but I felt like there was a good, high percentage it was a strike, and I feel like every strike matters.’’

So, he would do the same if he were pitching for the Cubs under manager Craig Counsell, who sarcastically pumped his fist towards Sword and two other MLB officials after Poteet’s successful challenge?

“I’m sure the manager and whoever’s coaching the team,’’ Poteet said, “will set some standards for guys.’’

Well, maybe one day, but for now, Counsell says he’s not going to waste any time talking strategy until it’s actually implemented.

‘‘It’s a test for some future, unknown thing,’’ Counsell said Wednesday. ‘‘So, it’s a little hard to put your head in and really prepare for it when there’s enough that we’ve got to get ready for.’’

But get ready. It’s coming, and soon.

“I’m in favor of it,’’ Dodgers infielder/outfielder Kike’ Hernandez said. “There’s definitely more balls that are called strikes than strikes that are called balls.’’

Says Conforto: “It’ll be real interesting to see who’s going to adapt to it quicker? Do the pitchers have the same zone every day? Since hitters have their own personal zone, is it going to be the same every single day?

“I think everyone is wondering who gets the biggest advantage. That’ll tell you who’s for it and who’s against it.’’

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The NBA All-Star break gave teams a chance to catch their breath before the final stretch of the regular season.

Most have fewer than 30 games remaining on their schedules, which means the chances to move up the conference standings are running out. It also means that late-season slip-ups could prove to be costly.

Regardless, it’s clear there are a select number of teams atop the hierarchy of contenders: The Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets. Can others like the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies sneak in?

Here are 10 post-All-Star-Game storylines to watch in the final two months of the 2024-25 NBA season.

Eastern Conference

Can anyone catch the Cavs?

Wire-to-wire, the Cavaliers (44-10) have been the best team in the East, tied with the Thunder for the best record in the NBA. They lead the NBA in offensive rating (121.9), assist-to-turnover ratio (2.23), true shooting (61.6%) and many other offensive stats. Cleveland’s trade for DeAndre Hunter bolstered its frontcourt. Yet the defending-champion Celtics (39-16), who have had stretches of average play, are 5.5 games back of first place. The Knicks (36-18) are eight games back. Boston, though, has the third-easiest remaining strength of schedule, per tankathon.com.

Is this the year the Knicks finally go on a run?

It has been 25 years since the Knicks appeared in an Eastern Conference Finals, 26 since they were in an NBA Finals. It has been 52 years since they won it all. Yet this may be the best Knicks team of the last two decades. Karl-Anthony Towns has been stellar, and the starting unit has been cohesive. But does New York have enough depth for a run, especially if injuries strike again?

Will the Sixers finally snap out of it?

The 76ers have lost five consecutive games and seven of their last eight. The most recent two came against the Nets and Raptors. Paul George, who signed a four-year, $212 million max deal, scored only two points on one-of-seven shooting in the Brooklyn loss. Tyrese Maxey missed that game with a knee contusion. George has dealt with various issues. Joel Embiid has played in just 17 games this season. For Philadelphia (20-34) — currently the 11th seed — to have any chance of turning things around, it will need its stars to be available.

How far can the Pistons go?

In what has been one of the more remarkable turnarounds in recent history, the Pistons (29-26), at the All-Star break, more than doubled their win total (14) from last season. All-Star Cade Cunningham (25.4 points, 9.4 assists, 6.3 rebounds per game) has been a revelation. Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris have been solid additions. Currently the sixth seed, the Pistons rank just 15th in offensive rating (113.1) and 12th in defensive rating (112.4).

Will retooled Bucks close the gap?

After starting the season 2-10, the Bucks (29-24) have course-corrected and were the most active Eastern Conference team at the trading deadline. Yet Kyle Kuzma is averaging career lows in field goal percentage (42%) and three-point percentage (27.5%). Milwaukee is 2-2 in the games Kuzma has played, though MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) missed all of those. The Bucks are the fifth seed, 6.5 games back of the third-place Knicks.

Western Conference

Are Thunder ready for a run to the Finals?

Sitting atop the Western Conference with a 44-10 record and eight games in front of second-place Houston, the Thunder are aware of the talented teams coming for them. “Challenges all through the conference, it feels like, from 2 through 11,” Thunder MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said, adding, “There’s never a night off in the West so we know that.” The keys for Oklahoma City are working Chet Holmgren, who missed 39 games with a pelvic injury and just returned this month, back into the rotation and staying healthy. The Thunder are talented, deep, well-coached and in position to play into June.

Are Nuggets primed for second title in three seasons?

Since the Nuggets lost to – gulp! – the Washington Wizards on Dec. 7, they have the second-most victories (25), No. 2 offense and share the No. 3 net rating. They are rolling offensively, and during that stretch, eight players are averaging double-figures in points, including Nikola Jokic (28.9 points, 12 rebounds, 10.2 assists), Jamal Murray (22.8 points, 6.0 assists) and Michael Porter Jr. (19.2 points). Murray is playing top-notch, and the Nuggets are getting production from Russell Westbrook, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson. Are the 2023 NBA champions gearing up for another deep playoff run?

Can LeBron and Luka make it work for the Lakers?

For the Lakers, success the remainder of the season and into the playoffs rests largely on how fast the LeBron James-Luka Doncic combination meshes and creates havoc for opposing defenses. Both are dealing with injuries, and James said, “As he continues to get in form, I think we could be really good going down the stretch. But we’ll see what happens.” A 12-3 run just before the All-Star break lifted the Lakers into fifth place, just a half-game behind Houston. But they still need to figure out how to compensate, especially defensively in the paint, for the loss of Anthony Davis in the Doncic trade.

How close are the Grizzlies and Rockets?

The Rockets and the Grizzlies missed the playoffs last season, but with the Rockets’ rebuild taking off with young talent and the Grizzlies benefiting from a healthy Ja Morant, both teams have been in the upper half of the West most of the season and have flirted with the No. 2 seed. Memphis is in second place and the Rockets are in fourth place, just 2 ½ games behind the Grizzlies. The meaningful question for Houston and Memphis: Can they win multiple series against teams with more playoff experience? Could the Grizzlies beat Golden State, Dallas or Minnesota in a series? Could Houston beat Denver, the Lakers or Los Angeles Clippers in a series? That’s the test.

Does Butler make Curry, Green and Warriors contenders?

With the addition of Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, veteran forward Draymond Green predicted a Golden State championship. Not surprising coming from Green, but the Warriors are in 10th place. “I love the expectations and having something to play for,” Steph Curry said. “He’s lighting a fire, for sure.” They are 3-1 with Butler and given their collective experience and competitive nature, the Warriors shouldn’t be dismissed because of their record. Curry had it right when he said, “All we want is just to get into a playoff series and have a fighting chance to be a tough out against anybody in the West.”

The top line remains unchanged in our updated bracketology, with Auburn, Duke, Alabama and Florida continuing to occupy the No. 1 seeds with less than four weeks left until Selection Sunday.

But the stiff competition for the top line could result in some changes following a run of key games this weekend involving the best teams in college basketball.

The No. 1 seed closest to being replaced is Alabama, which lost 110-98 to Missouri on Thursday. The Crimson Tide have dropped two in a row and are now two games behind the Auburn in the SEC. They’ll look to rebound at home on Saturday evening against Kentucky.

Houston and Tennessee are in position to take advantage if the Tide’s tumble continues.

The Cougars will host Iowa State on Saturday in the only scheduled regular-season meeting between the two best teams in the Big 12. Houston then turns around to take on Texas Tech in Lubbock on Monday night.

Saturday also finds the Volunteers playing Texas A&M on the road, looking to add a ninth Quad 1 win while climbing back into the top four in the conference standings.

STARTING FIVE: SEC, Big 12 showdowns lead weekend games to watch

The Cyclones, Cougars and Volunteers are joined on the No. 2 line by newcomer Wisconsin, winners of five in a row and six of seven. The Badgers could keep on stacking wins heading into the Big Ten tournament thanks to an unintimidating home stretch: Oregon and Washington at home, Michigan State and Minnesota away, and then back home for Penn State.

And Kansas continues to take a nosedive down the bracket. The Jayhawks are down to a No. 7 seed after Tuesday night’s 91-57 humiliation at Brigham Young.

Bracketology: NCAA Tournament field projection

Last four in

San Diego State, Virginia Commonwealth Wake Forest, Arkansas.

First four out

North Carolina, Xavier, Georgia, Boise State.

NCAA Tournament bids conference breakdown

Multi-bid leagues: SEC (12), Big Ten (10), Big 12 (8), ACC (4), Big East (4), Mountain West (3), Atlantic 10 (2), West Coast (2).

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a victory lap on social media after Canada defeated the USA in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament.

Trudeau took to X, formerly Twitter, shortly after three-time NHL MVP Connor McDavid gave Canada a 3-2 overtime victory in Boston.

‘You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,’ Trudeau wrote.

The message was short but powerful — and unmistakably pointed at President Donald Trump.

Trump has floated the idea of annexing Canada and said in his Super Bowl interview he thinks ‘Canada would be much better off being the 51st state.’ The comments, combined with an ongoing tariff battle, has led to ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ being booed in Canada.

That gained particular attention during the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the countries in Montreal with some U.S. fans returning the favor during the Canadian anthem Thursday night in Boston.

‘O Canada’ did not appear to be booed a second time as the Canadians celebrated their victory.

Trump was not in attendance for Thursday’s game, but he did call the team in the locker room after the morning’s practice.