Introduction to Statistics Using Baseball Analytics!

In this 10-week course, we will examine basic statistical analysis methodology.  Students will learn how to view, evaluate, and analyze numbers to create statistically relevant formulas.   In this class, learners will learn the same ideas, knowledge, and applied skills that real employees of major and minor league baseball teams use in their jobs.  This includes managers in the dugout, data analysis experts in the front office, and scouts who hit the road to find the next Derek Jeter, Ozzie Albies, or Mike Trout!

The class will be synchronous each week, with small amounts of out-of-class activities required.  The course will use Out of the Park Baseball to run simulations each week, and if desired an educational license of the software will be provided to the learner - but it is not required.  The only course requirements are access to the online classroom, a spreadsheet program (Microsoft Excel strongly recommended), and a web browser for viewing statistics.  For learners who do not have Excel (or other spreadsheet applications), instructions on how to access a free online spreadsheet can be provided by request).

Optional items are the ability to load Out of the Park Baseball 21 in a Windows or macOS computer.  Instructions on downloading, installing, and licensing OOTP will be provided in the first week of class.  Limited technical assistance can also be provided during the first two weeks of class.

Weekly attendance is key to success in this course.  Each session will be recorded for viewing outside of class, but no make up classes will be offered.

Course Outline:
Week 1: Course outline and requirements, an overview of baseball statistics, explanation of weekly simulations, choosing team names.
Week 2: Player analysis statistics: overall value data points (WAR, fWAR), Websites for data points, Out of the Park Baseball configuration, Draft selection evaluations, player of the week
Week 3: Player analysis statistics: Offensive production data points (AVG, SLG, OPS, OPS+), Analysis of draft picks, player of the week
Week 4: Player analysis statistics: Pitcher production data points (ERA, ERA+, FIP, WHIP), Analysis of first simulation results, player of the week
Week 5: Player analysis statistics: Defensive production data points (F%, RDRS, RF), simulation analysis, reporting on statistics, player of the week
Week 6: Team analysis statistics: Offensive production data, an overview of the final project, simulation analysis, reporting on statistics based on periods, player of the week
Week 7: Team analysis statistics: Pitcher production data, what is a good trade, simulation analysis, player of the week
Week 8:Team analysis statistics: Defensive production data, simulation analysis, player of the week
Week 9: Analyzing individual data points against collective data points (players versus team results), simulation analysis, player of the week
Week 10: Final projects due, Analysis of season results, player of the week