In the past several years, cloud computing has significantly influenced how the game is played, managed, and consumed by fans. As with many other well-established businesses and industries, the use of the information available from cloud resources brings a fresh perspective and offers fresh discoveries to change the ways things have traditionally been done.
Following are some of the most impactful ways that MLB is using cloud computing for fans, players, and coaches.
Powered by Google Cloud, Film Room allows fans to search over three million videos compiled from 1926 through the current season. Multiple filters let users filter videos according to team, player, year, play type, hit distance, and more. The tool returned thousands of results when searching for home runs exceeding 400 feet in about a second.
Film Room takes advantage of the power of the cloud to give fans and producers instant access to archival footage and provides the flexibility to continue to grow the database in the future.
MLB Statcast is essentially a huge data lake containing data regarding the movement of players and the ball during a game. The tool was introduced in 2015 using cutting-edge tracking technology that enabled in-depth analysis uncovering new insights into player performance. MLB adopted Google Cloud to power Statcast in 2020, providing the opportunity for deeper analysis.
A tremendous amount of real-time data is collected for processing by Statcast. 3D pose tracking tracks 18 points on a player’s body via sensors and takes 30 images from each sensor per second. The 540 images per player and information about pitched and batted balls are ingested by the Google Cloud with near-instant analysis available for fans, broadcasters, and all 30 MLB teams. Managers regularly use the data available from Statcast to determine lineup changes and pitching matchups that favor their team.
Enhancing the fan experience is the impetus behind the apps MLB has developed for mobile devices. The following apps are available for the majority of mobile phones and tablets.
- The MLB App - This app allows fans to access selected live games, highlights, and statistics about their favorite teams and players. Premium plans offer the ability to watch live baseball all season on your mobile device.
- MLB Play - Multiple games are available with this app that enable fans to test their knowledge and earn virtual rewards.
- MLB Ballpark - This app acts as a mobile companion that allows you to manage digital tickets, unlock offers and rewards, and guides fans around every MLB ballpark.
MLB’s embrace of the power of cloud computing will help the game maintain its relevance in an increasingly competitive landscape of sports marketing.