Teaching Statistics Using Baseball

Rating:
Summary: A hit about hits
Review: If there is one thing that separates the baseball fan from those of other sports, it is their fascination with statistics. By this, I mean the raw data, not the detailed analysis. An enormous amount of data is kept about baseball players and their accomplishments, and nearly all of it is online. It is very detailed, as it is possible to obtain data regarding how a particular batter performed when facing a particular pitcher with a particular ball and strike count. With all of this data available, it is possible to find some raw data that can be used to illustrate any analytical technique demonstrated in basic statistic classes.
Using this data, the authors have hit a resounding home run, and touched all the bases. The examples are easily understood, even if you have limited knowledge of the game. Nearly all of the techniques of a basic statistics class are covered, making this suitable for use as a textbook. The main points of difference are the absence of a great deal of hypothesis testing and the inclusion of a chapter on the events of an inning modeled as a Markov chain.
Baseball fans will want to read this book to settle arguments and start new ones. One can argue, as I have on many occasions, about which of two players is the best or which one should have been the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for a particular year. There are some very detailed comparisons of players, showing conclusively, at least to me, which one was best. I was fascinated about the run producing value of all of the possible offensive outcomes of a batter getting on base by getting a hit, walk or being hit by a pitch. Their analysis includes the value of advancing runners already on base, which explains why a single is worth 1.0 and a walk worth 0.61. Runners often advance more than one base on a single and a walk will advance runners only if first base is already occupied. A large collection of problems is given at the end of each chapter and the data for the problem is always included.
At this point in my professional life, I dread the examination of textbooks for basic classes. Over time, they seem to take on a bland sameness that dulls the mind, even though they do have differences. This is the liveliest, most interesting statistics book that I have ever read.

Rating:
Summary: an excellent read, very helpful
Review: What a great way to learn some of the basics of statistics. This book is meant to cover most of the material that a standard statistics textbook would, but using solely examples from the game of baseball. I picked it up primarily for the sections on probability, but have enjoyed the entire thing so far. Obviously a lot of work went into its preparation, and one of the most impressive aspects is the sheer number of exercises at the end of each chapter -- more than enough to reinforce the central points.