iPods helping the Rockies play better

Players for the Colorado Rockies are spending a lot more time with their iPods than they used to, but they’re not listening to tunes or watching Lost. The team is using video iPods to let players watch video to help them improve. Pitchers use the video to study batters that they will be facing to learn their tendencies and weaknesses, while batters use the video to study opposing pitchers and look for an edge. Up until now players were given custom-burned DVDs which contained the same content, but this solution is much more versatile. Staff prepare the video and then take the iPods from the players’ lockers and download the content. Every pitch a pitcher throws for 5 years can be stored on a 60GB model. The iPods are also being used by scouting staffs when they are evaluating and comparing players.

The Rockies were on of the first teams to use the technology, but it is spreading rapidly as opposing players and management hear about it and apply the technology themselves.