Baseball Job Posting: Inside Edge Video Scout internship

If you regularly read my posts, you likely know that I work for Inside Edge, a baseball company that is contracted by many Major League teams. What you may not have known is that Inside Edge is based in Bloomington, MN. I can’t believe I never thought of this, but going out on a limb here, I believe the Twinkie Town readership is theoretically comprised of baseball fans. Thus, I thought it would be worthwhile to let you know that Inside Edge is hiring interns for the upcoming season.

First, a little bit of background of what I do. Nearly every day during the baseball season, I watch MLB games and record data from those games, which includes pitch type/velocity/location, the outcome of the play, defensive shifts, where the ball was hit (spray lines), etc. An extensive knowledge of baseball is required, such as identifying pitch types (for example, you should be able to name every pitch from Joe Biagini here — answers will be at the bottom of the post) and scoring a baseball game (i.e., how would you mark a ground ball double play from shortstop to the second baseman to the first baseman in a scorebook while assigning assists and putouts to the proper players?). You should also be capable of learning how to use computer software to record data from the games.

Here are the official responsibilities and qualifications from the Inside Edge job posting:

Responsibilities

• Participate in a rigorous training program before the season starts.
• Use Inside Edge software to enter and crosscheck live pitch and scoring data.
• Mark actions to be reviewed by supervisors.
• Add, review, and update qualitative player notes.
• Review video replay ensuring integrity of charted data.
• Update internal Inside Edge logs and databases.
• Generate end of game reports.

Qualifications

While in-depth training will be provided, candidates need a strong understanding of both the basics and subtleties of baseball games, and will be required to quickly and accurately recognize pitch types, locations and scoring data.

To apply

If you are interested and serious about applying, please email Andrew Pautz at pautz@inside-edge.com. Include your resume, and feel free to include supplemental information and a quick note on what you’re including. A cover letter is unnecessary.

Other Notes (from Bryz)

• I noticed on the Inside Edge employment page that the online screening test has been posted. Please only submit the completed screening if you are serious about applying.
• You would be expected to work on-site at the office in Bloomington, MN.
• The time commitment is typically a minimum of 4-6 hours a day for 5+ days a week, going from March until the end of the regular season. You will be expected to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Being committed to school at the beginning and/or end of the season does not prevent you from getting hired. There is a question about availability in the screening where you can note if school is an issue during these times.
• Many people use this job as a stepping stone to a career working in baseball, and thus we have openings every year. Don’t feel that this year is your only chance to get hired if you are interested but unable to commit.
• Please ask any questions in the comments. I’ll keep an eye out for any questions and I’ll respond as soon as I can.
• The position is paid, but not particularly handsomely. The wage is posted on Inside Edge’s site. This is just reality for working in the “watching baseball” world.

Answers to the Joe Biagini pitches (timestamp of video in parentheses):

1. fastball (1 sec)
2. fastball (4 sec)
3. curveball (7 sec)
4. fastball (11 sec)
5. change-up (14 sec)
6. curveball (18 sec)
7. slider (21 sec)
8. curveball (24 sec)

Answer to the double play question

A ground ball double play that goes shortstop to the 2nd baseman to the 1st baseman with assists and putouts included is scored as a 6A4PA3P or 6A4AP3P.