The Los Angeles Angels have fired scout Justin Prinstein after he was caught filming Colorado Rockies coaches at Coors Field earlier this season.
Prinstein, who had referred to himself on social media as "The Baseball Spy," was hired by the Angels in December. He was spotted using his phone to record the Rockies' coaching staff from the scouts' seating section ahead of a series between the teams.
Major League Baseball notified the Angels of the violation. Then-general manager Perry Minasian promptly dismissed Prinstein. Filming by scouts is permitted in most cases, but MLB rules prohibit using electronic devices beyond televised broadcasts to steal or decode signs.
Minasian apologized to the Rockies front office, including president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes. Multiple sources briefed on the matter said both organizations believe Prinstein acted alone and that the Angels face no league punishment.
The Rockies won two of three games in the series in question, which took place in Anaheim.