On June 15 at the Linda Hall Library, MLB Network’s Brian Kenny headlines Beyond the Box Score: Baseball in the Analytics Era.
The Analytics Era in Major League Baseball emerged in the early 2000s. A slew of new metrics, such as OBA (weighted on-base average), FIP (fielding-independent pitching) and WAR (wins above replacement), began to supplant batting average, a pitcher’s win totals, and other traditional statistics.
Today, every front office employs mathematicians and computer scientists in a quest to develop an objective understanding about the game. Known colloquially as sabermetrics, this scientific analysis complements the traditional eye test in assessing a player’s value, worth, and promise, as well as guiding in-game strategy.
Analytics also provide a historical context that can help uncover cross-generational details about the game. A notable example of this impact occurred in late 2020 when Major League Baseball announced that it would include Negro League records into official MLB records.
Kenny will lead a panel of experts in a conversation exploring the role of Big Data in baseball, its impact on the history of the game, and what it means for the future of America’s pastime.
Speakers
Moderator:
Brian Kenny | Broadcaster and Host, MLB Network
Panelists:
Sean Forman, PhD | President, Sports Reference, LLC
Shakeia Taylor | Deputy Senior Content Editor, Chicago Tribune
Daniel Mack, PhD | Vice President, Assistant GM for Research & Development, Kansas City Royals
This panel discussion will be held in person at the Linda Hall Library, 5109 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO. This event is free and open to the public, though advanced registration is required as seating is limited. Click here to register.
