Big Data Baseball: Math, Miracles, and the End of a 20-Year Losing Streak — Kindle Edition
Kindle Edition: Big Data Baseball: Math, Miracles, and the End of a 20-Year Losing Streak by Travis Sawchik recounts how the Pittsburgh Pirates used data-informed strategy to end a long run of losing seasons and reach the playoffs in 2013. Its account connects baseball analytics, including pitch framing and defensive shifts, with the people and team culture behind the changes.
At a glance
- Traces Pittsburgh’s 2013 campaign as it emerged from twenty consecutive losing seasons and made the playoffs.
- Explores big-data approaches to baseball, including pitch framing and on-field defensive shifts.
- Combines analysis of baseball strategy with accounts of analysts, coaches and organizational collaboration.
Pros and cons
Pros
- The book’s narrative centers on a specific team turnaround, giving the analytics a concrete historical context.
- Customer feedback describes the writing as readable and engaging, with statistics presented without overwhelming the story.
- Kindle details list screen-reader support, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise and Page Flip.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Publisher | Flatiron Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | May 19, 2015 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 258 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1250063519 |
| File size | 3.6 MB |
|---|---|
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Page Flip | Enabled |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Baseball fans interested in the Pittsburgh Pirates and their 2013 season.
- Readers curious about how data analysis, coaching and team culture intersect in baseball.
- Readers looking for an accessible narrative rather than a statistics reference book.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a current-season guide or a comprehensive statistical reference.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
64% 64% - 4 stars
26% 26% - 3 stars
10% 10% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback is notably positive about the Pirates-focused story, writing and readability. The summary says readers find the account informative and engaging without being burdened by unwieldy statistics. That makes it a plausible fit for fans who want analytics explained through a team narrative, though ratings and comments do not establish whether every reader will prefer that balance.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the narrative and the in-depth look at the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Feedback highlights readable writing that does not overburden the story with statistics.
- Baseball fans describe the book as fascinating and well written.
Frequently asked questions
What is Big Data Baseball about?
It tells how the Pittsburgh Pirates used data-driven ideas and organizational collaboration to end a twenty-season losing streak and reach the playoffs in 2013.
Does the book focus on baseball analytics?
Yes. The listing describes topics including pitch framing, defensive shifts and the growing use of data in baseball.
Is the Kindle edition accessible with a screen reader?
The listed Kindle details say Screen Reader is Supported. They also list enhanced typesetting, Word Wise and Page Flip as enabled.
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