Job Posting: Sports Info Solutions 2020 Baseball Video Scouting Internship

Position: 2020 Baseball Video Scouting Internship

Location: Coplay, PA

Sports Info Solutions, originally founded as Baseball Info Solutions, is looking for highly motivated individuals with a desire to work in the baseball industry. Video Scouts will have a chance to make an immediate impression on the company. Each Video Scout will be collecting data that is directly used by SIS clients (including major league teams) for advance scouting and evaluation purposes. Not only will the Video Scouts become more familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of hundreds of amateur and professional players, but they will also learn the ins and outs of the baseball statistics industry.

Former Video Scouts have risen rapidly through major league front offices after getting their start watching two to three games per day at SIS. In the words of one former Video Scout and current Vice President of Baseball Operations, “My summer at [BIS] was the best baseball experience of my life.” Major league teams frequently come to SIS for recommendations when they need to fill a position within their organization, and SIS’ top video scouts each year routinely land team internships and/or full-time jobs.

SIS takes pride in making their internships great development opportunities for those looking to get their start in baseball. In addition to gaining invaluable experience watching thousands of players across different levels, SIS offers introductory classes that cover writing scouting reports and using the database management language, SQL. They also provide insight and advice from previous SIS Video Scouts who have branched out into a variety of areas in the sports industry.

To apply, read through the basic information about the position then use the link below the description to submit your application.

Responsibilities:

  • Score and pitch chart MLB, MiLB and amateur games using specialized computer software
  • Check the accuracy and validity of data
  • Prepare and analyze statistical data for delivery to customers
  • Assist with the production of the 2021 Bill James Handbook
  • Provide administrative support to the full-time staff

Time Frame:
SIS offers two unique start dates for this position. The first begins on February 3rd, 2020. It will last for a period of four to five months into early June, with the possibility of extending further based on company workload and the Video Scout’s performance. The second begins on March 2nd, 2020. This will last five to six months into early September, again with a possibility of extending longer.

Compensation:

  • Video Scouts will be paid at $9 per hour and college course credit will be offered for those interested
  • Each Video Scout will also be eligible for regular raises based on performance
  • There will also be opportunities to sign up to work overtime to earn extra income (opportunities will depend on work levels throughout the year)

To Apply:
Click here to apply for the 2020 Baseball Video Scout position.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by Sports Info Solutions.


Ranking Every World Series Game 7 Pitching Matchup

Two Cy Young Award winners have never matched up in Game 7 of the World Series before. Zack Greinke and Max Scherzer are unlikely to win that award this season, but they are still at relative high-points in their careers; Scherzer’s 6.5 WAR ranked fourth among pitchers this season, while Greinke’s 5.4 was not that far behind and put him ninth.

This is the 40th Game 7 in history. Here are the best pitchers ever to pitch in a Game 7, by their WAR in the season during which they started that year’s final game.

Best World Series Game 7 Pitchers
Year Team Player WAR
1965 Dodgers Sandy Koufax 10
1968 Cardinals Bob Gibson 8.6
1945 Tigers Hal Newhouser 8.2
2001 D-backs Curt Schilling 7.2
1934 Cardinals Dizzy Dean 6.6
2019 Nationals Max Scherzer 6.5
1985 Cardinals John Tudor 6.4
1985 Royals Bret Saberhagen 6.2
1912 Giants Christy Mathewson 6.2
1964 Cardinals Bob Gibson 5.8
1967 Red Sox Jim Lonborg 5.7
2001 Yankees Roger Clemens 5.6
1940 Tigers Bobo Newsom 5.6
1982 Cardinals Joaquin Andujar 5.5
1940 Reds Paul Derringer 5.5
2019 Astros Zack Greinke 5.4
1987 Twins Frank Viola 5.4
1931 A’s George Earnshaw 5.1
1973 A’s Ken Holtzman 5
1958 Braves Lew Burdette 5
1956 Dodgers Don Newcombe 5
WAR in the season during which they started a Game 7.

Read the rest of this entry »


Job Posting: Los Angeles Angels Internships

Please note, this posting contains multiple positions. All positions are paid.

Position: Baseball Operations Internship

Description:
The Los Angeles Angels Baseball Operations department is seeking passionate individuals to join their team for the 2020 season. Applicants can come from any discipline or background, as long as you have the curiosity, open-mindedness, and perseverance to take on difficult problems.

As a Baseball Operations Intern, you will be fully immersed in their department, and given the resources to learn, grow, and develop over the course of the season. The Angels’ goal is to find people with the necessary skills and traits to become long-term members of the department.

Examples of things you will do during the internship:

  • Contribute to the ML advance scouting process
  • Assist with preparation for the 2020 MLB Draft
  • Develop visualizations and other mechanisms for communicating information to Baseball Operations personnel
  • Perform player evaluations, combining statistics, video, and other data sources
  • Assist with special projects as assigned

You should have:

  • Creativity, strong attention to detail, and a growth mindset
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team on complex projects
  • Willingness to both teach others and learn new techniques
  • A flexible schedule with availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability to traverse office and stadium frequently
  • Ability to work in inclement weather (when in stadium)

In addition to handling the essential functions of the Angels’ internship, the team desires counter-intuitive thinkers who will take initiative and explore new research opportunities. Previous interns have developed ideas that have changed the way the organization approaches important challenges and they hope you will bring the same mindset with you.

The Angels believe that diversity contributes to a more enriched collective perspective and a better decision-making process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To Apply:
Please provide (1) a current resume and (2) answer the following two questions in no more than 250 words each. These requirements are an integral part of your application. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Application deadline is 8:59 pm PST on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

1. Detail a project or experience that you have worked on that you are proud of. Do you have any takeaways from this experience that have helped prepare you for this role? The project or experience does not need to be baseball-related.

2. What is the area in which you feel you need the most improvement? What are some steps you could take to improve upon this weakness?

Applications should be completed through this link.

Position: Player Development Internship

The Los Angeles Angels Player Development department is seeking passionate individuals to join their team for the 2020 season. Applicants can come from any discipline or background as long as you have the curiosity, open-mindedness, and perseverance to take on difficult problems.

As a Player Development Intern, you will be fully immersed in their department, and given the resources to learn, grow, and develop over the course of the season. Our goal is to find people with the necessary skills and traits to become long-term members of the department. The internship is based out of the Angels Minor League Complex in Tempe, Arizona and begins in early January.

Examples of things you will do during the internship:

  • Collaborate with Player Development personnel to create, organize, and develop tools to support processes and players throughout the year
  • Develop visualizations and other mechanisms for communicating information to Player Development personnel and minor league players
  • Perform player evaluations combining statistics, video, and other data sources
  • Assist with special projects as assigned across Player Development and other areas of Baseball Operations (i.e. Amateur Draft, Trade Deadline)
  • Contribute to day-to-day operations of the Player Development department

You should have:

  • Interest in the latest trends and research in Player Development
  • Creativity, strong attention to detail, and a growth mindset
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team on complex projects
  • Strong willingness to work with individuals from a variety of linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Enthusiasm to both teach others and learn new techniques
  • A flexible schedule with availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability to traverse office and stadium frequently
  • Ability to work in inclement weather (when in stadium)

In addition to handling the essential functions of their internship, the Angels desire counter-intuitive thinkers who will take initiative and explore new research opportunities. Previous interns have developed ideas that have changed the way the organization approaches important challenges and they hope you will bring the same mindset with you.

The Angels believe that diversity contributes to a more enriched collective perspective and a better decision-making process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To Apply:
Please provide (1) a current resume and (2) answer the following two questions in no more than 250 words each. These requirements are an integral part of your application. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Application deadline is 8:59 pm PST on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

1. Detail a project or experience that you have worked on that you are proud of. Do you have any takeaways from this experience that have helped prepare you for this role? The project or experience does not need to be baseball-related.

2. What is the area in which you feel you need the most improvement? What are some steps you could take to improve upon this weakness?

3. What is your level of fluency in English and Spanish?

Applications should be completed through this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Los Angeles Angels.


Job Posting: Braves Pro Scouting Trainee and Minor League Video & Information Intern

This posting contains two positions. Please note instructions for applying for each position below.

Position: Professional Scouting Trainee

Reports to: Assistant Director; Professional Scouting

Position Overview: The Atlanta Braves Professional Scouting Department is seeking a trainee for the 2020 baseball season. This trainee position will interface with the Atlanta Braves front office as well as the be the main point of contact for the Professional Scouts.

Trainee Program Department Overview: This is an entry-level opportunity that will expose the individual to the many facets of not only the Professional Scouting Department but will provide a strong foundation to begin a career in professional baseball.

Major responsibilities:

  • Daily updating of roster/magnet boards for all executives
    • This will require knowledge of MLB’s eBis2 platform
  • Ability to generate specific reports as requested by executives in a timely fashion
  • Point person regarding visiting scout tickets
  • Main person to oversee Braves scouts’ schedules
  • Coordinate annual departmental meetings (travel, accommodation, meals, etc.)
  • Produce/send daily player transaction emails to the professional scouting staff
  • Attend/scout all home games
  • Potential travel to affiliates nearby to scout the system
  • First point of contact with the Pro Scouts

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Knowledge of current baseball statistics and analytics used in player evaluation
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
  • Intermediate knowledge of SQL Server
  • Possess excellent critical thinking and time management skills
  • Ability to work extensive hours as dictated by the Major League season schedule (including weekends and holidays throughout the season)
  • Knowledge of and passion for professional baseball
  • Must be able to sit for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to move throughout all areas and levels of the ballpark
  • Must be able to relocate to the Atlanta area
  • Commitment from January 1 through December 15
  • Must complete a successful background check

Preferred qualifications:

  • Master’s degree
  • Basic understanding of R
  • Previous baseball playing experience

To Apply:
To apply for the Professional Scouting Trainee position, please submit resume/cover letter to proscouting@braves.com.

Position: Minor League Video & Information Intern

Reports to: Minor League Video Coordinator

Position Overview: The Minor League Video and Information Intern will provide a service to an Atlanta Braves affiliate through charting live baseball games and providing video and information to Braves coaches, coordinators, and front office members. This role manages all aspects of the assigned affiliate’s video and advance scouting operation and aims to provide an experience that prepares the ideal candidate for a future role in the baseball industry.

Responsibilities:

  • Capture and chart video for each game of the full minor league schedule of an assigned affiliate (home games and team travel to road games, postseason included).
  • Manage a network of cameras set up to collect high-quality video from multiple angles.
  • Attach, edit, and upload video following each game daily.
  • Support the coaching staff/players with ad-hoc video/technology requests as assigned.
  • Participate in the affiliate’s advance scouting process and produce associated materials for the coaching staff.
  • Attend a portion of the Braves’ Spring Training camp in Venice, FL to undergo training in video and advance information.
  • Participate in periodic calls with the Baseball Operations group in Atlanta.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • An understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and an ability to work effectively and relate well with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
  • Self-motivated individual with high degree of responsibility including confidentiality, sense of urgency, and accountability.
  • Proactive, organized, and detail-oriented person who can prioritize their workload and follow-through with minimal supervision.
  • Flexibility and enthusiasm in attitude and approach.
  • Willing to relocate to a Braves minor league affiliate from Mid-March through Mid-September.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and some holidays.
  • The ability to safely lift and transport equipment weighing 25 lbs. or more.
  • The ability to climb ladders and successfully place equipment from variable positions and heights.
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Must complete a successful background check.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Bilingual preferred
  • Programming experience with SQL/R
  • Playing experience at the collegiate/professional level
  • This is a paid position that includes a housing stipend for the duration of the minor league season.

To Apply:
To apply for the Minor League Video & Information Intern position, please submit resume/cover letter to MLops@braves.com.

The Atlanta Braves are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Atlanta Braves.


Scherzer Scratched From Game 5 Start

Fresh from the unpleasant surprise department, the Washington National announced Sunday afternoon that Max Scherzer would be scratched from his Game 5 start. Scherzer has suffered neck pain in recent days and in the words of Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, is in “ungodly pain.” In for Game 5 is Joe Ross, whose only appearance so far this postseason was when he threw two shutout innings of relief in Washington’s Game 3 loss to Houston.

Considering that at times this postseason Scherzer has looked as if he would have to be dragged from the mound by a full SWAT team, I would imagine there’s not a great deal of hyperbole involved in the description of his pain. The Silver Hammer’s replacement, Joe Ross, fared well in 2019 when used as a starter, allowing a 3.02 ERA and 3.86 FIP in nine starts, all in the second half of the season. Ross, who once assisted shortstop Trea Turner in making the Wil Myers three-way trade look like a disaster for the non-Washington teams, has otherwise had his career waylaid by injuries.

The larger question, of course, is just what this means for Washington’s bottom-line playoff odds. Initially coming into Game 5, ZiPS projected the Astros to have a 61%-39% edge to win the series. But what scenario are we exactly projecting now? The answer depends on what actually happens with Scherzer’s injury, which is speculation at this point.

Ross’ start is essentially forced by the Nationals’ relief corps. Washington doesn’t have the arms to make a bonafide bullpen game a palatable scenario to the team, and with Austin Voth off the roster, they can’t start him without ruling another pitcher out due to injury. In any case, the Nats certainly don’t want to rule out Scherzer’s return unless they absolutely have to, and one would imagine the league looking very closely at the situation if Fernando Rodney or Tanner Rainey were to “suddenly” suffer injuries that necessitated them being replaced on the roster.

For the ZiPS World Series probabilities, I’m going with the happy scenario for now: Ross starts tonight, with Stephen Strasburg going in Game 6, and Scherzer left for a return in a possible Game 7. If you look at the probabilities right now, you’ll actually see the Nationals’ championship probability get a small bump to a 40%/60% deficit. ZiPS is a noted Aníbal Sánchez skeptic, and projects Ross as a minor improvement, by about two-tenths of a run per nine innings.

That, of course, doesn’t mean that this is welcome news for the Nationals, only that it’s beneficial in one very specific scenario, one the Nationals are far from guaranteed to see. To get an idea of the probabilities in some of the scenarios that are far uglier for the Nats, I re-ran the probabilities with a few of the possibilities, and condensed them into one pretty little chart!

ZiPS World Series Probabilities, Scherzer Scenarios
Scenarios Nats Championship
Scherzer pitching in Game 5 as intended, Scherzer-Strasburg-Sánchez 39%
Scherzer Game 7, pitching normally, Ross-Strasburg-Scherzer 40%
Scherzer Game 7, ERA 10% worse than projection, Ross-Strasburg-Scherzer 38%
Scherzer Game 7, ERA 30% worse than projection, Ross-Strasburg-Scherzer 36%
Ross-Strasburg-Sánchez, Scherzer healthy enough for 2 relief innings Game 7 37%
Ross-Strasburg-Sánchez, Scherzer out for playoffs 35%
Ross-Strasburg-Voth, Scherzer out for playoffs, Sánchez to bullpen 37%

Losing Scherzer for the rest of the World Series would be the worst-case scenario for the Nationals, but not one that dooms them. People tend to drastically overrate the dependability of a great starter’s excellence or a lousy starter’s ineptitude in an individual game. As terrific as Scherzer is, even in his best season, he was “only” worth 0.23 WAR per start, and was “just” 0.17 WAR better than the average pitcher. You want your best pitchers in the actual games, but even without Scherzer, who wins the series will come down to a lot more than his attendance.


Job Posting: Cleveland Data Scientist and Sports Science Analyst Roles

Please note, this posting contains multiple positions.

Position Title: Data Scientist

Department: Baseball Research & Development

Primary Purpose:
The Cleveland Indians are seeking a data scientist to join the team’s Baseball Research and Development group. The data scientist will use their machine learning expertise and the Indians proprietary data to develop statistical and machine learning models that support baseball operations decisions across all facets of the organization. This position will work closely with other members of the R&D department as well as key stakeholders across the organization to design and build cutting edge models and tools that help the Indians stay ahead of the competition. The ideal candidate will possess experience working with large data sets and advanced machine-learning models. Strong applicants will demonstrate curiosity, creativity, and the ability to learn new concepts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Research, design, test, and deploy machine learning models to support all aspects of Baseball Operations
  • Work with high-dimensional spatio-temporal data and other large data sets
  • Share technical expertise with other members of department; communicate findings to Baseball Operations staff
  • Maintain an understanding of emerging data science tools and research, as well as potential new data sources and technology options

Role Requirements and Preferences:

  • Education & Experience Requirements
  • Advanced degree and/or demonstrated work experience in a quantitative field (i.e. computer science, statistics, engineering, mathematics)
  • Experience with a variety of modeling and statistical techniques, such as neural nets, deep learning, support vector machines, gradient boosting, adversarial learning, and computer vision
  • Expertise with statistical programming languages (e.g. R, Python)
  • Proficiency in a database language (e.g. SQL)

Preferred Experience:

  • Experience with one or more ML libraries such as Tensorflow, Keras, scikit-learn, Theano, Spark MLib, H2O
  • Experience creating data visualizations with tools such as ggplot, d3.js, Matplotlib and/or Tableau
  • Experience working with baseball data
  • Experience with computer vision, particularly image segmentation, object detection, and tracking algorithms

Standard Requirements:

  • Reads, speaks, comprehends and communicates English effectively in all communications.
  • Represents the Cleveland Indians in a positive fashion to all business partners and the general public.
  • Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationship with members of the Front Office.
  • Ability to act according to the organizational values and service excellence at all times.
  • Ability to work with multicultural populations and have a commitment to fairness and equality.
  • Ability to walk, sit or stand for an entire shift.
  • Ability to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
  • Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of the Ballpark.
  • Ability to work in a diverse and changing environment.
  • Occasional physical activity such as lifting and carrying boxes up to 25lbs.

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

Position Title: Sports Science Analyst

Department: Baseball Research & Development

Primary Purpose:
The Cleveland Indians are seeking an analyst to join the team’s Baseball Research and Development group with a focus on answering questions specific to sports science. The position will use data and statistics to provide research and analysis to support the Indians’ player development, medical, S&C, and sports science staff in helping Indians players perform at optimal levels. This individual will work closely with other analysts in the R&D department as well as sports science, player development, medical, strength & conditioning, and other staff members across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in statistics and/or data science, the ability to effectively communicate findings to colleagues in non-technical roles, and a passion for learning more about baseball. Strong applicants will demonstrate curiosity, creativity, and the ability to learn new concepts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Analyze and interpret baseball data with a focus on sports science
  • Research, build, test, and deploy statistical models to support Baseball Operations
  • Design and implement research studies to improve organizational knowledge in sports science
  • Visualize data in concise, readable formats for non-technical staff members
  • Communicate research findings to key stakeholders across the organization
  • Work with sports science, strength & conditioning, and medical departments to capture player performance data
  • Evaluate and recommend new data sources and technologies

Role Requirements and Preferences

Education & Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree or demonstrated work experience in a quantitative field such as statistics, mathematics, computer science, operations research, economics, or data science
  • Demonstrated ability to solve problems in a data-driven way
  • Creativity to brainstorm new avenues of research
  • Demonstrated passion for baseball analytics and/or sports science.
  • Proficiency in at least one statistical programming language (e.g. R, Python)
  • Proficiency in a database language (e.g. SQL)
  • Ability to communicate research findings and other technical concepts to non-technical audiences

Preferred Experience:

  • Working knowledge of advanced baseball statistics and publicly available research
  • Advanced degree in a quantitative field
  • Experience working with baseball data
  • Experience with data visualization
  • Experience with experimental design and/or causal inference

Standard Requirements:

  • Reads, speaks, comprehends and communicates English effectively in all communications.
  • Represents the Cleveland Indians in a positive fashion to all business partners and the general public.
  • Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationship with members of the Front Office.
  • Ability to act according to the organizational values and service excellence at all times.
  • Ability to work with multicultural populations and have a commitment to fairness and equality.
  • Ability to walk, sit or stand for an entire shift.
  • Ability to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
  • Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of the Ballpark.
  • Ability to work in a diverse and changing environment.
  • Occasional physical activity such as lifting and carrying boxes up to 25lbs.

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Cleveland Indians.


Job Posting: Tigers Player Development Coach

Position: Player Development Coach

Job Description:

The Detroit Tigers are currently seeking Player Development Coaches for minor league affiliate coaching staffs. This role will work collaboratively with the Manager, Hitting Coach and Pitching Coach. As a member of the Tigers Player Development staff, this coach will collaborate with Baseball Analytics, Performance Science and Video Operations to support the goal of improving on-field player performance. This coach will be responsible for the support of technologies and data collection, the review and distribution of advance reports and general coaching support. A successful candidate will have strong on-field baseball experience, a technical aptitude and an educational mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist the coaching staff with the integration of information provided by Baseball Analytics, Performance Science, Athletic Training, Strength and Conditioning and Video Operations.
  • Provide guidance, oversight and support for the technologies used by coaching staff and players.
  • Continually educate and support players and staff members on organizational analytics, technologies and philosophies.
  • Provide regular feedback to appropriate staff members on the implementation and usage of technologies and data to ensure effectiveness and quality.
  • Assist with the development of daily plans to support overall Player Development goals for each player.
  • Throw batting practice and participate in on-field training sessions on an as-needed basis.

Minimum Knowledge, Skilles, and Abilities:

  • Excellent organization and time-management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong aptitude for information technology.
  • Experience or strong interest in using baseball data to support coaching or skill development.
  • Prior playing experience strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of advanced baseball statistics preferred.
  • Experience with any of the following technologies strongly preferred:
    • Rapsodo
    • TrackMan
    • Blast Motion/Diamond Kinetics
    • K-Motion/4D Motion
    • Edgertronic
    • Force Plates
  • Experience with programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL) a plus.
  • Fluency in Spanish a plus.

Working Conditions:

  • Located at the Tigers minor league affiliates (Toledo, OH; Erie, PA; Lakeland, FL; Comstock Park, MI; Norwich, CT).
  • Requires travel on road trips.
  • Evening, weekend, and holiday hours required.

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Detroit Tigers.


Job Posting: Toronto Blue Jays Internships

Please note, this posting contains multiple positions. All positions are paid.

The Toronto Blue Jays are seeking highly motivated and creative interns to assist with day-to-day tasks within various areas of their broader Baseball and High Performance operations. The start and end dates are flexible depending on candidate availability and both full-season and partial-season candidates will be considered. This position will be based in Toronto, ON or Dunedin, FL. There are several different internship focuses (in the areas of Research and Development, Scouting, Player Development, Biomechanics & Computer Vision, and Baseball Systems Development), with more detail on each position provided below. Across all internships, the Blue Jays are seeking:

  • Demonstrated passion for baseball and excellent reasoning, problem-solving, creative thinking, and communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals including members of the front office, field staff and scouts. Ability to speak Spanish is a strong plus.
  • Baseball/softball playing background or related work experience with a pro/college team is a strong plus, although not required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and self-direct work.
  • The ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the baseball calendar.

For each application, please send a resume and cover letter to baseballresumes@bluejays.com. Please provide the position to which you are applying at the subject line, and include answers to the below question as well as the targeted question for each position in the body of your email. All answers should be limited to one paragraph:

  • Please describe a group project you have completed in a professional, educational, or other capacity. What was the goal, and who were you working with? How did your team progress, and what obstacles did you encounter?

Position: Research & Development Intern

Scope:

  • Assist the Research & Development Department with baseball research as well as developing new metrics and tools to help with Baseball Operation decision making.
  • Improve current production models and utilize novel modeling techniques to make better use of available and future data sets
  • Challenge our current way thinking and provide input on both short-term and long-term projects.
  • Contribute to ad hoc analysis of Amateur, Major, and Minor League Players
  • Provide logistical support to major events on the Baseball Operations calendar (Draft, Trade Deadline, etc.)

Requirements:

  • Proficiency with R, Python or other similar mathematical language
  • Proficiency with SQL and relational databases
  • Demonstrated ability to design and execute baseball research projects is a plus
  • Experience with advanced modeling methods, including generalized linear models, mixed models, clustering, or other forms of machine learning is a plus. Experience evaluating and selecting models is also a plus

Question:
What is one question about baseball that you would like to answer, given the time and datasets necessary? What techniques might you employ to answer this question? What obstacles do you foresee?

Position: Scouting Intern

Scope:

  • Assist the Amateur Scouting Department with the preparation for the Rule 4 Draft, including assistance with player evaluation, information processing, and staying abreast of the current amateur landscape.
  • Support the Pro Scouting Department with periodic coverage related tasks and daily tasks, including maintaining lists of opposing team prospects, providing information on opposing team needs and having an understanding of ML player trends
  • Provide support for Baseball Operations meetings and player transaction decisions.
  • Support Minor League Operations/Player Development with their daily operations, such as processing expense reports, updating team rosters, compiling statistics and scouting reports, etc.
  • Provide logistical support to major events on the Baseball Operations calendar (Draft, Trade Deadline, etc.)

Requirements:

  • Knowledge of and passion for baseball operations processes
  • Experience with in-person and/or video scouting is a plus
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office is required. Further technical skills (SQL, R, etc.) are a plus but not required.

Question:
What do you see as a current inefficiency with the way in which baseball is run? Is there any opportunity for teams in this area, and if so, how would you take advantage?

Position: Player Development Intern

Scope:

  • Assist Player Development team and coaching staffs with data entry of game reports, player plan administration, and organizational projects.
  • Collaborate with Player Development & High Performance staffs to optimize processes across the organization.
  • Provide logistical support for Minor League Spring Training and off-season programs as it relates to scheduling, workflow, travel, baseball-related activities, etc.
  • Support Research & Development staff with ad hoc analysis and the continual improvement of the tools and metrics that we provide to assist Player Development & High Performance.
  • Assist on-field staff with incorporating new technologies and data into development plans.

Requirements:

  • Strong administrative skills to understand the various processes required by each department and ensure that they are followed.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office is required. Further technical skills (SQL, R, etc.) are a plus but not required.

Questions:

  • How can teams separate themselves through player development?
  • Are there any specific examples of processes that organizations have currently implemented that would allow a team to best assist players and staff?
  • What are two impactful ideas that you think would take the Toronto Blue Jays Player Development team to the next level?

Position: Baseball Systems Development Intern

Scope:

  • Create new and/or support existing baseball systems through data visualization, display, and web application development
  • Support Data Engineering team in the acquisition, ingestion, and cleaning of new and existing data sources
  • Communicate with end users to gather system requirements and work through bug fixes
  • Provide logistical support to major events on the Baseball Operations calendar (Draft, Trade Deadline, etc.)

Requirements:

  • Enrollment in or completion of a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar field is preferred
  • Experience with both front and back-end development is preferred
  • Examples of data-oriented web development work is preferred

Question:
Please describe a web development or data-oriented project you have worked on (does not need to be baseball related; links to demo or source code welcomed). What did you learn while completing this project? How could you foresee applying these skills in a baseball capacity?

Position: Biomechanical Analysis & Computer Vision Intern

Scope:

  • Contribute to internal research of baseball movements by collaborating with Baseball Operations, Player Development, and High Performance teams.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with on-field staff on the collection of data
  • Utilize cutting-edge modelling techniques (OpenCV, RANSAC, CNNs, etc) to provide insights from video resources
  • Analyze a variety of biomechanical and related baseball information streams. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, ensuring data quality, providing meaningful takeaways, and developing best practices.
  • Clearly and concisely communicate results through both written reports and data visualization
  • Research and present on new technologies and methods to push our computer vision and/or biomechanics programs forward

Requirements:

  • Enrollment in or completion of a degree program in Biomechanics, Physics, Computer Science or a similarly relevant field is required.
  • Proficiency with R, Python or other similar mathematical language
  • Proficiency with SQL and relational databases
  • Experience with frameworks such as Tensorflow or PyTorch is a plus
  • Experience working with large spatial and biomechanical datasets
  • Experience and passion for working with markerless motion capture systems is strongly preferred

Question:
Please describe a baseball question you’d like to answer. What methodologies would you use to try answer this question?

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Toronto Blue Jays.


Job Posting: Mariners Baseball Operations Intern and Video Coordinator Roles

Please note, this posting contains two positions.

Job Title: Baseball Operations Intern

Department: Baseball Operations
Reports To: Manager, Baseball Operations
Status: Part-time, Nonexempt
Dates: Must be available to start by March 15th, 2020. End date is end of the 2020 season. Preference will be given to candidates who can start by February 1st, 2020

Primary Objective: Support the baseball operations department in research, administration, and day-to-day scouting operation tasks.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide support in all areas of advance scouting, including, game day duties and preparation of the advance report and for pre-series meetings.
  • Support all areas of the Professional, International and Amateur Scouting Department, including research, video clipping and player evaluation as well as preparation for the Amateur Draft Meetings.
  • Provide additional statistical analysis, economic and financial research as assigned or as time permits.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. Equivalent, relevant work or playing experience may be considered in lieu of formal education if approved by management.
  • Spanish speaking is a plus; but not required.
  • Programming Skills (including SQL, R & Python, etc.) is a plus; but not required.
  • Background in player evaluation is a plus; but not required.
  • Background in video is a plus; but not required.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):

  • Working knowledge of statistical baseball data and its application as it pertains to scouting information
  • Working knowledge of baseball strategy and current in-game management trends
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Self-motivated with a high degree of integrity; takes personal responsibility for getting things done in a way that positively and professionally represents the organization
  • Demonstrated initiative; thinks creatively and takes actions that create a positive outcome for the team

To Apply:
Interested and qualified applicants may apply by October 30, 2019 through the following link: Baseball Operations Intern

Job Title: Major League Video Coordinator

Department: Baseball Operations
Reports To: Assistant GM

Primary Objective: Support the Major League Team (players and staff) and AGM with all video related needs. Consistently communicate and foster a positive “team first” environment and culture

Essential Functions:

  • Capture, record and store video for all assigned Major League activity – bullpens, batting practice, cage work, on-field sessions, advance scouting meetings, etc…
  • Archive all Major League video and maintain a database for present/future reference
  • Assist and educate players and staff regarding the function and use of all video tools
  • Oversee the operation and implementation of all video tools in the Major League domain
  • Maintain an intellectual curiosity in researching new technology and coaching tools as well as engaging players and staff with video in support of game preparation and skill development
  • Support scouting departments and engage with VP, Scouting, Personnel Managers as well as Amateur and International Directors in ways to support their departments with video

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree or significant/equivalent video experience
  • Experience video capturing and charting in baseball or other sports transferrable to baseball

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):

  • Advanced understanding of video technology including but not limited to: cameras, editing software and logging and tagging platforms
  • Intermediate understanding of baseball to assist with tagging video as well as assist coaching staff with use of video as a teaching tool, including but not limited to: pitch types, baseball terminology and rules.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to interact comfortably with players, coaches and front office staff
  • Ability to collaborate with and hold vendors accountable to the standards required by the Mariners

Physical Activities and Working Conditions:

  • Assist in overseeing the daily function and development of the video interns at the major league and minor league level
  • Maintain a current and accurate inventory of all Major League video equipment. Ensure that all equipment is in working condition. Purchase upgrades as approved and needed.
  • Collaborate with the AGM and Manager, BB Ops in developing and managing the annual budgets in all Video domain
  • Assist as needed in training Affiliate QC/Video Coordinators on basic camera and video program operations
  • Provide QA and resolve any equipment/mechanical/technical issues in a timely manner
  • Attend and assist with pre and/or postseason camps and events as assigned by the AGM.
  • Produce video packages, instructional and highlight films for players and staff

To Apply:
Interested and qualified applicants may apply by October 30, 2019 through the following link: Major League Video Coordinator

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Seattle Mariners.


Job Posting: Brewers Baseball Research and Development Analyst and Intern

Please note, this posting contains two positions.

Position: Baseball Research and Development Analyst

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Summary:
The Analyst – Baseball Research & Development will deliver research and tools to improve decision making across Baseball Operations. The position requires a person who has intellectual curiosity, is a self-starter and can communicate technical and analytical concepts effectively to non-technical people. Being passionate about using data, analysis and technology to improve decision making processes is also a key differentiator. Residence in Milwaukee is required.

Responsibilities:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Evaluate existing data sources and build predictive or explanatory models to aid in a variety of player acquisition, player development and gameplay decisions.
  • Investigate emerging data sources and identify potential for predictive value and actionable insights to improve decision making.
  • Develop visualizations and other mechanisms for disseminating analytical results to the front office, player development staff, and other baseball employees – including consideration for less technically and analytically inclined consumers.
  • Continually survey latest analytical methods and advancements in baseball and sports research to apply cutting-edge methods and data to problems.
  • Understand current decision processes and information systems and offer enhancements and improvements.
  • Answer ad-hoc requests for reports, visualizations and research projects.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Understanding of statistics and modeling techniques, including probability, linear regression and logistic regression.
  • Proficiency with an analytical programming language required, R or Python preferred.
  • Proficiency with SQL and SQL databases required, Microsoft SQL or PostgreSQL preferred.

Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) or equivalent experience is required. Advanced degree or current pursuit of advanced degree is desirable.

Other Skills and Abilities:
The individual must be capable of working extended hours such as overtime, nights, and weekends, when necessary. Occasional travel to affiliates or conferences may be required.

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

Position: Baseball Research and Development Intern

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Summary:
The Intern – Baseball Research & Development will design and execute a strategic research project with the assistance of experienced mentors. The internship program is designed to give the candidate real-world experience in a Baseball Research & Development department, including exposure to development processes and best practices. Residence in Milwaukee is required.

Responsibilities:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Work closely with R&D mentor to define and outline a meaningful project.
  • Design approach to address chosen topics leveraging existing and new data sources to build predictive or explanatory models.
  • Develop and propose project solutions using various coding languages and/or database queries that adhere to coding best practices.
  • Collaborate with other interns, R&D team members and other front office staff on various projects and initiatives.
  • Participate in code reviews with members of the R&D staff as part of a robust development process.
  • Create reports, visualizations and other documentation explaining the project.

  • Present project results to members of the Baseball Operations Department.
  • Answer ad-hoc requests for reports, visualizations and research projects.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Understanding of statistics and modeling techniques, including probability, linear regression and logistic regression.
  • Demonstrated experience with applied research required. Can be through a previous job role, schoolwork, or independent research and does not need to be baseball-related.
  • Proficiency with an analytical programming language required, R or Python preferred.
  • Proficiency with SQL and SQL databases required, Microsoft SQL or PostgreSQL preferred.
  • Deep knowledge of baseball rules, gameplay and player acquisition approaches.

Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) or current pursuit of Bachelor’s degree in a technical or scientific field, or equivalent experience is required. Advanced degree or current pursuit of advanced degree is desirable.

Other Skills and Abilities:
The individual must be capable of working extended hours such as overtime, nights, and weekends, when necessary. Travel to affiliates may be possible.

To Apply:
To apply, please complete the application that can be found here.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Milwaukee Brewers.