When working with MLB tracking systems like Trackman, TCP connected to AMQ refers to how data is transported and delivered between systems in near real time.
What is the TCP Protocol?
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a network communication protocol used to send data reliably between computers.
Key characteristics of TCP:
- Connection-oriented (a connection must be established first)
- Reliable delivery (guarantees packets arrive in order)
- Error checking and retransmission
- Used for near real-time but reliable data transport
In baseball tracking systems, TCP ensures that every pitch or hit data packet reaches the data servers correctly.
What AMQ Means in MLB Systems
AMQ usually refers to Apache ActiveMQ, a message broker used to distribute data between systems.
A message broker acts like a traffic controller for data.
Instead of sending data directly from Trackman to every application, the data goes to ActiveMQ, which then distributes it to:
- MLB data servers
- Broadcast graphics systems
- Analytics platforms
- Statcast databases
How TCP and AMQ Work Together
In MLB infrastructure, the typical flow looks like this:
Trackman Radar → TCP connection → ActiveMQ (AMQ) → multiple MLB systems
Step by step:
- Trackman captures pitch or ball-tracking data.
- The data is sent through a TCP connection.
- The TCP stream feeds the data into ActiveMQ.
- ActiveMQ publishes the message to all subscribed systems.
- This setup allows multiple applications to receive the same pitch data simultaneously.
Example with a Pitch
When a pitch is thrown, the Trackman calculates:
- Velocity
- Spin rate
- Release point
- Break
The data packet is sent via TCP.
ActiveMQ receives the message.
The message is instantly distributed to:
- Statcast database
- Broadcast overlays
- MLB analytics systems
- Replay and tracking software
Simple explanation:
TCP = the delivery method (how the data travels)
AMQ / ActiveMQ = the data hub that distributes information to MLB systems