Why Baseball Math Is Stuck in the Dinosaur Era – A Reddit Rant

Redditors question why baseball stats aren’t in log format. Is math too ‘Inside Baseball’ for the sport?

Redditors are questioning why baseball math still operates in archaic formats, with users debating the intricacies of using logarithms in the sport’s statistics.

Summary

  • Users wonder why baseball stats aren’t standardized in log format akin to log3, log4, and log9.
  • The debate centers around the historical development of baseball stats and the convenience of current numerical representations.
  • Some users argue that tradition and ease of understanding play significant roles in the resistance to change.

Debate over Mathematical Precision

Some users point out that the disparate development of baseball statistics over time and the human preference for familiarity hinder the adoption of log formats. They argue that a consistent range of numbers aids comprehension and recognition.

Resistance to Change

Others note that convention, nostalgia, and resistance to relearning statistics prevent a widespread shift to logarithmic formats. They highlight the comfort of fans and statisticians in the current system.

Complexity vs. Simplification

Several users find value in the current numerical representations, deeming them more intuitive and readable compared to logarithmic alternatives. They emphasize the practicality of the existing stats for fans and analysts.