Job Posting: Texas Rangers Player Development Data Apprentice

by
October 21, 2020

Editor’s note: This posting originally appeared on October 8. The Rangers are still accepting applications.

Position: Player Development Data Apprentice

The Texas Rangers are seeking multiple apprentices in Player Development. Each Apprentice will work full-time with one of the Rangers’ minor league affiliates and report to the Systems Integration Coordinator. Apprentices will operate as an extension of the coaching staff and be a resource for both players and coaches. Apprentices are expected to manage the collection and application of data and technology at their respective affiliate. Apprentices will gain experience across multiple areas of Baseball Operations.

Job Responsibilities

Technology Operation:

  • Set up and operate bat/ball tracking technology and baseball technology.
  • Assist with high frame rate video captures of hitters and pitchers.
  • Manage data and collection process and assist with interpretation and upload.

Advanced Scouting:

  • Collaborate with coaching staff and player development staff to monitor player goals and player progress.
  • Conduct research and analysis, both at the request of staff and independently.
  • Use internal system tools to assist.
  • Communicate research in simple and concise manner to Minor League coaches, players, and Player Development staff.

Systems Support:

  • Support field staff with on-field responsibilities.
  • Support field staff and players with coach education and various administrative tasks.
  • Support Strength and Conditioning and Athletic Training staff to provide assistance and application to their fields from your findings.

Education and Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Demonstrated passion and understanding for biomechanics, pitching or hitting analysis or sports science.
  • Spanish speaking a plus.

Job Requirements

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work seamlessly in teams.
  • Working knowledge of advanced baseball statistics and publicly available research.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

This position is paid.

To Apply
Please email texasrangersda@gmail.com with the subject “PD, Data Apprentice” and include a resume to apply.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Texas Rangers.





 

Meg is the managing editor of FanGraphs and the co-host of Effectively Wild. Prior to joining FanGraphs, her work appeared at Baseball Prospectus, Lookout Landing, and Just A Bit Outside. You can follow her on twitter @megrowler.

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r24j
3 years ago

Just as a forewarning to people interested, especially college students – this is a good opportunity, but go in with no expectations. It’s not often these jobs go anywhere, besides being asked to do it again next year if you do a good job. It’s rare people ever go full-time, not because people don’t do a good job, but because there’s such little turnover in front office environments. Especially in PD.

The road schedule is very arduous and mentally taxing. I’ve made a lot of friends in my time with teams, and there’s nothing like the moment when you make playoffs or are an instrumental part of helping a player along. However – there isn’t time to work on the skills that will make you a full-time candidate. There’s little time for code practice and independent projects, and there’s very little interface with your boss and co-workers, beyond a bi-weekly 10 minute check-in call.

Again, it’s a fun job. But, I tell everyone that in lieu of these, you work on independent projects and coding. Unless you really love and want to focus on PD – but those opportunities are extremely limited. Lastly – they aren’t stable. At all. These jobs tend to be under $20 an hour and you are without work from October through Spring Training. This isn’t something I thought about when I was 20 doing my first seasonal job, but it’s absolutely brutal.

Not to be doom and gloom, but please consider these things before being willing to work long hours for low wages when the opportunities to grow aren’t dependent on you, as much as they are department turnover. I don’t regret my time working these types of jobs, but unless you’re of privilege, it sucks going from clinching a playoff spot to working in a grocery store all winter just trying to pay your rent, despite teams telling you how wonderful you did and how they can’t wait for you to do it again next year.

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