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SalaryABS TECH (SEASONAL)
Major League Baseball (MLB) will be operating the Automated Ball and Strike system (ABS) in AAA, the Florida State League, select Spring Training venues, and potentially in other non-MLB games and venues.
ABS will leverage optical tracking data to determine and communicate ball and strike calls to plate umpires. It is critical we provide quality support to the umpires and the technology while capturing data around system performance.
We are accepting applications for all markets, but are actively recruiting for the following:
- Bradenton Marauders (Bradenton, FL)
- Buffalo Bisons (Buffalo, NY)
- Clearwater Threshers/Dunedin Blue Jays/Tampa Tarpons (Tampa Bay area, FL)
- Columbus Clippers (Columbus, OH)
- Durham Bulls (Durham, NC)
- El Paso Chihuahuas (El Paso, TX)
- Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (Fort Myers, FL)
- Gwinnett Stripers (Lawrenceville, GA)
- Indianapolis Indians (Indianapolis, IN)
- Iowa Cubs (Des Moines, IA)
- Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Jacksonville, FL)
- Jupiter Hammerheads/Palm Beach Cardinals (Jupiter, FL)
- Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Allentown, PA)
- Louisville Bats (Louisville, KY)
- Memphis Redbirds (Memphis, TN)
- Nashville Sounds (Nashville, TN)
- Norfolk Tides (Norfolk, VA)]
- Oklahoma City Dodgers (Oklahoma City, OK)
- Omaha Storm Chasers (Papillion, NE)
- Reno Aces (Reno, NV)
- Rochester Red Wings (Rochester, NY)
- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Moosic, PA)
- St. Lucie Mets (Port St. Lucie, FL)
- St. Paul Saints (Saint Paul, MN)
- Syracuse Mets (Syracuse, NY)
- Toledo Mud Hens (Toledo, OH)
- Worcester Red Sox (Worcester, MA)
Support and Data Entry
The ABS Tech will be located at field level to physically support the plate umpire including his device, its functionality, and wiring. The ABS application is a simple phone app operated on an MLB-supplied iPhone with a WiFi connection.
The data points entered by ABS for each at-bat throughout the game, will be:
- No audio
- Slow or delayed audio
- Pitch call issue flag
Responsibilities Include:
- Arrive at ballpark approx. 2 hours prior to first pitch and check-in with remote MLB support staff
- Conduct pre-game fax of equipment (escalate and troubleshoot system issues as necessary)
- Assist umpire with set-up
- Operate the ABS application to track and enter data listed above
- Communicate with MLB staff to ensure proper support of umpire as well as entry and accuracy of all data
- Postgame meeting with umpire
- Communicate any questions, issues, problems, or feedback to our game-night support staff to contribute to the ongoing improvement of overall ABS operations.
- Submit a detailed post-game report.
Qualifications Include:
- Exceptional (and demonstrable) knowledge of baseball and its rules
- Strong computer proficiency (Windows OS and Windows-based software) and the ability to quickly learn and operate new software
- Exceptional knowledge of iPhone operation
- Previous experience (including press box exposure) with a professional or college sports team, preferably baseball
- Regular availability to attend games in person on weekdays, nights and weekends
- Ability to assist in troubleshooting equipment, especially under pressure
- A "team player" with a great attitude, including but not limited to a willingness to make and learn from mistakes and the ability to work closely and cooperatively with our game-night support staff
- Professionalism. This is a fun but high-profile opportunity which requires reliability and dedication.
New ABS Techs will undergo a correspondence and training program before working any games alone.
The hiring range for this position is an hourly rate of $25.00. The actual offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your work experience, education, skills and any other factors Major League Baseball (MLB) considers relevant to the hiring decision.
