I recently had the chance to have a discussion with the freshly hired Detroit Tigers Coordinator, Baseball Technology & Video: Michael Lewis-Wedderburn. Michael is from the Atlanta, Georgia area, attended the UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education, and his resume is packed with sports experience. Before his Tigers position, Michael worked as a Minnesota Twins Baseball Technology Fellow, KinaTrax Operator and as a Hawk-Eye Baseball Systems Operator; his certifications include Rapsodo Baseball and Pitching and SABR Analytics Level I & II. Read on to catch a glimpse into the life of a Tigers Video Coordinator.
Did you play baseball growing up- high school, college, or amateur ball?
Not at all, ironically. On-field performance was never really my specialty.
When did you first realize baseball technology could be a real career path? Was it always baseball, or did tech come first?
I didn’t fully understand the impact of baseball technology until I started working for the Twins last year. We used a lot of tools that helped different departments do their jobs more effectively, and that’s when it really clicked. At first, I wasn’t sure it was for me- mainly because of the learning curve-but over time, those skills started to grow into something bigger. I knew I wanted to work in baseball since college; I just didn’t start working directly with systems like BATS, TrackMan, or Hawk-Eye until I got that opportunity.
Since you’ve worked with Hawk-Eye, KinaTrax, and now the Tigers- very different sides of the same ecosystem. What shifted your path toward working inside a MLB?
Working for the Twins truly changed my life. They were the first organization that took a chance on me and gave me exposure to the knowledge I have now in baseball tech. After spending a season not directly tied to an organization, I realized I wanted it more than ever. I’m incredibly grateful to continue that journey with the Tigers.
Landing a coordinator role with a historic franchise like Detroit is huge. What was the interview process like, and what do you think made you stand out?
Honestly, it was a pretty standard process: application, multiple interviews, and then the offer. I wish I had a special story, but I really believe that what’s meant for you will find you. I didn’t know who else I was competing against, so all I could do was trust the process and have faith. I’m just grateful that it led me to Detroit.
Working in tech is one thing- communicating to coaches and players is another. How did you learn to bridge that gap?
Communication is one of the most important parts of the job. I approached it by explaining things the way I would want them explained to me. I’d connect data to something relatable- an inside joke, a song, anything memorable- then boil it down to the most important points for coaches and players. There’s a balance between being technical and being understandable, and I enjoy finding that balance.
Fans see the broadcast results. What don’t they understand about being a Hawk-Eye operator during live games?
The pressure is real. If you’ve never seen a Hawk-Eye system up close, it can be overwhelming how much is happening at once. Delivering accurate data in real time takes constant attention. I think if people truly saw what it takes day in and day out, they’d have a whole new appreciation for the operators behind the scenes.
KinaTrax dives deep into biomechanics. What was the biggest learning curve with 3D motion capture?
Learning the ins and outs of baseball tech in general was the biggest challenge. Every system has its own troubleshooting process and workflow. When I first saw the depth of biomechanical data KinaTrax provides, it completely blew me away — especially watching the Data Processing Assistants at work. It changed my perspective on how valuable motion capture really is, and I think there should be even more investment in it.
Can you recall a moment where technology challenged assumptions or confirmed something unexpected?
People usually focus on what can be easily quantified, but there were times when technology confirmed things I’d noticed mentally in athletes. In some cases, it challenged assumptions about their physical state and revealed something deeper.
What earns trust fastest in a clubhouse or front office?
Consistency, clarity, and accuracy all matter- but for me, it came down to mutual respect. Everyone has a job to do. If you respect people, do what’s expected of you, and show up with a good attitude even on hard days, trust follows naturally.
What does a typical day look like in your role during spring training or the regular season?
My main responsibility is coordinating and managing the technology used for data collection- bullpens, live BP, hitting cages -and making sure everything is properly uploaded and available for coaches, players, analysts, and biomechanists. During the regular season, games take priority, but the overall flow stays pretty consistent.
Every tech career has a ‘figure it out now’ moment. What’s one that stands out?
While working for the Twins at an away game in Florida, I was running high-speed cameras on the backfield when a storm rolled in way earlier than expected. I grabbed a ladder, ran to center field, and just as I reached the camera, it started pouring. I took everything down as fast as possible, ran back to the dugout soaking wet, then went back out to save more cameras. Later, I processed footage in wet clothes while the main complex never even got rain. It taught me the value of being proactive- and yes, I took a very long shower when I got home.
What part of the job gives you the most energy, the “this is why I’m here” moment?
Being around baseball every day. More than anything, it’s the people- passionate, driven, and human. I sacrificed a lot, especially in 2025, to get here, and I’m incredibly grateful to be in a role where I’ve grown the most. That’s how I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
What’s something you’ve learned about people, not technology, along the way?
Coaches and coordinators are some of the funniest people you’ll ever meet. Yes, we talked baseball constantly, but some of my favorite memories came from teaching them pickleball and playing after work. Those moments reminded me that everyone in this game has a great story.
If you could upgrade one piece of baseball tech to sci-fi levels tomorrow, what would it be?
Hawk-Eye- easily. It’s the most comprehensive system out there, and you could build incredible science-fiction stories around it. I’d need author credit if you ever wrote one, though.
The toughest question: Top five baseball movies?
I’m not a huge movie guy, but here goes:
The Sandlot (all-time favorite), Moneyball, 42, Angels in the Outfield, and a few select scenes from The Benchwarmers.
Chris Rodriguez documents baseball through reporting, access, and visual storytelling rooted in the player, development, coaching, and front-office decision-making. This feature runs in collaboration with Dispatches From Raimondi and 9inningnomad.
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