Timothy Millar, a PhD candidate at the University of Canberra, has emerged victorious in the 2025 SMT Data Challenge, an esteemed international competition focused on analytics in baseball. This challenge, organized by SMT Corporation, allows students to analyze real-world Minor League data through its 6th Tool product, encouraging innovative research that enhances the field of baseball analytics.
In its fourth year, the SMT Data Challenge has gained traction among students, with participation from 23 universities. The program has successfully launched numerous graduates into careers in baseball operations and analytics. Organizations affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB) that have recruited participants from previous cohorts include the Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and others. To date, 53 out of 229 students have secured professional roles, with 31 joining MLB teams and 24 with non-MLB entities.
Millar distinguished himself with his project titled “The Cognitive Clock Score (CCS) Framework: Measuring Player Cognition during the Pre-Acquisition Phase.” His innovative approach quantifies the mental processes involved in defensive success, utilizing SMT’s advanced tracking data. The metric he developed generates intuitive “Cognitive Archetypes,” revealing players’ strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development. More details on his project can be found at cognitiveclock.com.
A New Frontier in Baseball Analytics
Selected from a competitive field that included finalists from UC San Diego, University of Guelph, and University of Toronto, Millar’s research was praised for addressing an often-discussed aspect of baseball evaluation that had not been quantified until now. Dr. Meredith Wills, Senior Data Scientist and SMT-U Academic Lead, remarked, “Timothy’s work stood out because it addresses an area of baseball evaluation that has long been talked about, but never quantified. By modeling the subconscious decision-making that happens between bat-on-ball contact and the moment a fielder secures it, he’s opened the door to a new era of cognitive-performance analysis in defense.”
The finalists presented their research at an event held in Durham, North Carolina, where they showcased their findings to a panel of judges consisting of MLB affiliates, sports executives, and SMT leadership, including CEO and founder Gerard J. Hall and other industry leaders.
Millar expressed his excitement about the experience, stating, “The 2025 SMT Data Challenge was an amazing experience from start to finish. The Challenge has opened up so many exciting opportunities that I’m looking forward to exploring. I hope to use the skills and connections I’ve developed to further my dream of a career in sports.”
As the hiring process for the 2025 cohort continues, the SMT Data Challenge remains a significant stepping stone for aspiring sports analysts, reinforcing its importance in shaping the future of baseball analytics and operations.
