MATH 61: Moneyball

In Moneyball, students will learn about the statistics of baseball as a way of developing their critical thinking skills. The statistical revolution in baseball started by Billy Beane, General Manager of the Oakland A’s, is a fascinating introduction into the world of statistics, data, and analysis. The students will learn how to calculate and understand the meaning of statistics in deep ways, will be able to operate Excel and use it to organize data, and will begin to analyze data in creative, exciting ways! This elective will discuss the statistics, finances, and stories of baseball (as well as other sports). Activities will include: debates based on statistics, discussions of real players’ and teams’ performances, and simulation games in which students will construct their own teams and see how they fare against their classmates’ teams.