We recently caught up with Cullen McRae, the Florida Marlins Video Coordinator. McRae serves on the PBVCA board as the Chair of the Events Committee. He shared with us his background in baseball and his experience with the Florida Marlins.

PBVCA: Cullen, you come from a baseball family. Can you tell us about your playing experience.
McRae: I played at Manatee Community College for two years before transferring to Florida A&M University where I played second base.

PBVCA: When did you first see video being used in the club house?
McRae: I first saw video being used back in the 1980’s when my dad Hal played for the Kansas City Royals. Everything was VHS and teams didn’t spend nearly as much time using video to prepare for games.

PBVCA: Tell us about your experienced with the Marlins. How many years have you been with them?
McRae: This is my 12th season with the Marlins and 11th as video coordinator, spending one season as an assistant in the Marlins’ Season and Group Sales department

PBVCA: It seems like the Marlins always have the youngest team in the league. What is the normal learning curve on how to use video effectively and get the most out of it? How do you introduce players to your services?
McRae: I try and introduce myself to all new players in spring training and show them what the Marlins feature from a video standpoint. New players help me stay sharp because I have to continually adapt to different teams and systems.

PBVCA: What was the 2003 World Series like? Can you describe your work load and if there were any differences in how the players used video?
McRae: 2003 was great. It was nice being part of a winning organization. After we beat the Cubs in the NLCS I was breaking down video on the Yankees and Red Sox in preparation for the World Series.

PBVCA: It’s nearing the all-star break, what are your plans?
McRae: I plan on spending time with my family in Colorado. Traveling with the team is great but it leaves my wife at home pulling double duty with our two kids.

Favorites:
• Road City: Chicago
• Ballpark: Kaufman Stadium
• Club house: 1. Tampa Bay, 2. Washington
• Road restaurants: Ron of Japan (best hibachi in the country) and International house of pancake(chocolate chip pancakes)

Check out McRae’s Video Room in Florida.

The Cleveland Indians Video Coaching Department was recently featured during an in game broadcast versus the New York Yankees. ESPN Analysts Steve Phillips and Orel Hershiser gave a break down of the history of Video Coaching and how it has played a major role in the transformation of the game. Steve Phillips spoke of the different applications and ways that players use video. He also complimented the Indians Video Coaching Department (which is led by the inaugural PBVCA President, Bob Chester) on being one of the most progressive departments in baseball.