A Royal Treat: Topping Named Top MLB Video Coordinator

The Professional Baseball Video Coordinators Association (PBVCA) has presented the 2008 Carl Hamilton Award of Excellence to Mark Topping, video coordinator for the Kansas City Royals. The ceremony was held on Dec. 10, during the annual PBVCA conference held in conjunction with the Baseball Winter Meetings at Bellagio.

The award is given annually to the Major League Baseball video coordinator who has demonstrated superior work in the field of video coaching. “This is a tremendous honor, and I am grateful to be recognized by my peers,” Topping said. “PBVCA has become a great resource helping video coordinators contribute to their respective clubs’ success, and I am excited to be a part of it.”

PBVCA President Chris Fernandez, Tampa Bay Rays video coordinator, believes Topping’s work has elevated PBVCA’s professional status. “Mark’s hard work and dedication have taken our organization to the next level. His commitment to advancing the trade of video coaching has helped every video department in Major League Baseball. Mark is tireless in his communication plans for the organization and is extremely deserving of this award.” The award is named in honor of Carl Hamilton, the Seattle Mariners video coordinator for the past 19 years.

Entering his seventh season with the Royals, Topping oversees the day-to-day video coaching, helping the players and coaches with their game preparation. In addition, he is in charge of the Royals minor league and scouting video, fulfilling all video needs of the Baseball Operations Department. Topping co-founded PBVCA in 2004 and serves as its secretary and treasurer.

PBVCA is composed of video coordinators working in Major League Baseball. Its objective is to elevate standards among all video coordinators, facilitate the exchange of information and technical advances in the field of video coaching, and raise awareness of the role that video coordinators play within professional baseball.