April 07, 2020
Featured playlist: The science of baseball
This week's featured playlist takes us off the couch and into the diamond for a look at the science of baseball.
Major League Baseball's scheduled Opening Day has come...and gone. With the start of baseball season uncertain and sandlot games sunk by social distancing, we've put together a playlist to give you a much-needed dose of America's favorite pastime, with a science spin.
Moneyball
What is sabermetrics and how is it used by Major League Baseball teams?
Smith College Assistant Professor of Statistical & Data Sciences Ben Baumer was the statistical analyst for the New York Mets from 2004 until 2012. In this discussion at Amherst Cinema in Amherst, Mass., he explains the history and power of sabermetrics, statistical analysis applied to baseball.
The development of baseball analytics
At Moxie Cinema in Sprinfield, Mo., Dr. Lloyd Smith, professor of computer science at Missouri State University explains how baseball analytics evolved.
Field of Dreams
The physics of baseball
At the Civic Theatre of Allentown in Allentown, Pa., Professor of Physics Gary DeLeo Professor discusses the physics of baseball, including how far the same swing would hit the same pitch in Philly, in Denver, in a vacuum, and on the moon.
Fastball
All about fastballs
The film's director, Jonathan Hock, answers audience questions about fastballs and the players who throw them at the Picture House in Pelham, N.Y.