Full Breakdown
Angels Scout Dismissed After Filming Rockies Coaches
7/21/2026, 9:55:20 PM
Core Incident
Los Angeles Angels pro scout Justin “Boomer” Prinstein was terminated in early July 2026 after a Colorado Rockies staff member observed him recording coaches on his cell phone during a game at Coors Field. Prinstein, who had been hired by the Angels in December 2025, was scouting the Rockies from June 1-3 in preparation for the Angels’ home series. The Rockies reported the incident to Major League Baseball, which in turn notified the Angels. General manager Perry Minasian immediately fired Prinstein and issued an apology to Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes. Both clubs said they believed Prinstein acted independently, and MLB indicated no league discipline would follow.
Background on Scouting and Sign-Stealing Rules
Filming opponents is generally permissible, but MLB rules prohibit the use of technology to decode or steal signs. The league circulated a memo explicitly banning such practices. Prinstein, who previously worked as an international scout for the Cincinnati Reds in 2023 and ran a short-lived podcast titled “The Baseball Spy,” had publicly discussed the rule, noting a clear line between legal observation and illicit technology-assisted spying.
Official Statements & Responses
Perry Minasian’s apology to the Rockies front office was relayed through team and league sources, who declined to comment further. The Rockies pitching coach Alon Leichman said the team was calling pitches from the dugout at the time, a routine that involves coaches relaying signs. Both the Rockies and MLB declined additional comment on the matter.
Industry Perspective
Scouts from four other organizations told The Athletic that modern broadcast footage provides ample angles for analysis, making in-game filming unnecessary unless a team intends to cheat. An anonymous American League scout added that teams already possess the technology to upload and dissect televised video, rendering a phone-based recording redundant.
Verbatim Quote
> “It seems there needs to be a line drawn. And there is. There’s a (MLB) memo that went out. There’s a rule that says you can’t use technology,” — Justin Prinstein, former scout
