ABS 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 actively recruiting for the following markets:

• El Paso Chihuahuas (El Paso, TX)
• Iowa Cubs (Des Moines, IA)
• Lakeland Flying Tigers (Lakeland, FL)
• Nashville Sounds (Nashville, TN)
• Norfolk Tides (Norfolk, VA)
• Tacoma Rainiers (Tacoma, WA)
• Toledo Mud Hens (Toledo, OH)

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:

• 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.
• Routine day-to-day correspondence via email, Slack, voice call and/or text message, to keep current with coverage schedules and other scheduled assignments.
• Other game-day responsibilities during Spring Training, the regular season and/or Postseason as determined by Data Operations supervisor(s).

Qualifications and Skills:

• 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.

Pay: $25.00 per hour

The actual offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your work experience, education, skills, and any other factors MLB considers relevant to the hiring decision.

ONLY those who reply to this link will be considered, and due to volume, we may be unable to respond to all applicants.

Why MLB?

Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. Employees love working at MLB because of the culture of growth, teamwork, and professionalism. Employees who are most successful at MLB take initiative, know how to identify problems and provide solutions, and always put the Team first. For those ready to step up to the plate and join the major leagues, MLB takes the same approach as teams do with their players: empowering our “workforce athletes” to be at their best by engineering experiences that put employees in the best position to succeed. Major League Baseball is looking for candidates who are passionate about growing America’s pastime to best serve its fans for decades to come.

MLB is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.  We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 

California Residents: Please see our  California Recruitment Privacy Policy for more details.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email us at accommodations@mlb.com. Requests received for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Are you ready to Step Up to the Plate? Apply below!

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