Former L.A. Angels Scout Who Worked in Korea Fired for Secretly Filming Opposing Coach

Justin Pristine, who previously worked as a foreign scout for South Korean professional baseball clubs KIA Tigers and LG Twins, has been fired in the United States after being caught secretly filming an opposing coach.

The U.S. sports media outlet The Athletic reported yesterday (July 21, local time) that Pristine, who was working as a scout for the Los Angeles Angels, was dismissed after filming a Colorado Rockies coach with his cell phone from the stands.

During a game against Colorado last month, Pristine was watching from a designated scout seat when he used his smartphone to film the Colorado coaching staff, and was caught by a Colorado club official.

While scouts in MLB are permitted to record standard video footage, using electronic devices to steal or decode signs is strictly prohibited.

At the time, Colorado was relaying pitch signs from the dugout to the pitcher, with a coach handling the delivery.

The Colorado organization immediately reported the incident to the MLB Office of the Commissioner.

Upon being notified by the commissioner's office, the Angels promptly fired Pristine and extended an apology to Colorado club executives.

Both clubs concluded that the incident was the isolated action of Pristine alone, and as a result, the Angels are not expected to face separate disciplinary action from the league office.

According to The Athletic, Pristine had referred to himself as "The Baseball Spy" on social media and other platforms.

As inquiries began, he reportedly switched his X (formerly Twitter) account to private and has been avoiding contact with the media.

Ironically, during a podcast he previously hosted, he had strongly criticized the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal that erupted in 2019.

At the time, he raised his voice, stating, "Using technology to steal signs crosses the line, and it's equivalent to espionage." However, he now finds himself forced out of baseball after committing a similar act.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.