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March 04, 2007
How Bill James Changed Our View of the Game of Baseball
"How Bill James Changed Our View of the Game of Baseball" (144 pages from ACTA Sports) was published on February 15, 2007.
In this work, a dozen writers share how Bill James changed the way they think about baseball (and other things). These writers include Alan Schwarz, Dave Studenmund, Gary Huckabay, John Thorn, Hal Richman, Ron Shandler, Rob Neyer and John Dewan (among others). In addition, throughout the book are comments and reflections from other "fans" of James' work. (In the spirit of full disclosure, I must share that I am one of those with a comment in this book.)
"How Bill James Changed Our View of the Game of Baseball" is a quick read. Nonetheless, for any fan of Bill James, this book is extremely enjoyable from cover to cover.
One reason why this book is delightful is the one-degree of separation access angle. Have you ever met someone who knew someone else - and that someone else was a party that you've always been interested in? What's the first thing that you usually ask that person? It's "So, tell me all about so-and-so" (meaning the that someone else). With "How Bill James Changed Our View of the Game of Baseball" you get that aforementioned one-degree of separation access angle to learn more about Bill James and his relationship with some of the people who have worked and/or who are close with him.
Also, for those commenting on James (in the book) where they did not have a direct relationship with the man, it's just fun to read about how others discovered his work, appreciated it, and how it changed their thinking. If you're a fan of Bill James, you will see a lot of yourself in these stories.
I would be remiss to not share one nitpick observation - in the spirit of Bill James' love of noting "This is wrong." Steve Moyer, the president of Baseball Information Solutions, (in his section of the book) writes "...I liked the Cardinals against the Red Sox in the 1967 World Series. (Ironically, when that series was replayed in 2005, I was rooting the other way.)"
Clearly, Moyer meant "replayed in 2004" and not 2005. However, that one small miscue is the only fault that I could find in this book.
"How Bill James Changed Our View of the Game of Baseball" is a must read for any fan of Bill James' work as they will find reading this book to be a captivating experience. And, for those not aware of the legacy of Bill James, I cannot think of a better way (outside of this book) for them to learn more about it. I highly recommend "How Bill James Changed Our View of the Game of Baseball."
Posted by Steve Lombardi at March 4, 2007 04:52 PM
Comments
looks like a good book.
One of the unfortunate results of James' work with the Sox (besides the fact that he helps the enemy) is that his research and his thoughts are not in the public domain as much. Far be it for me to call him out for making a living, but it sounds like the Sox have him doing a lot of interesting research right now and, of course, it's only for Theo's and Henry's eyes. Bummer. I wonder if he'll let us know what he's been learning after he retires. In any case, it seems like we'll have to wait for a while.
Posted by: Nick from Washington Heights ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 4, 2007 06:32 PM
I've often wondered why Bill James, the consummate outsider, decided to work behind the scenes for a team. And, more to the point, why he's working for the Red Sox and not another team. Were the Red Sox the only team to think about giving him a job?
Posted by: MJ at March 4, 2007 07:49 PM
James has written previously that while he's done work for other organizations the Red Sox made him an offer good enough to have him give up his exclusivity. It wasn't just money that won him over.
Posted by: RICH at March 5, 2007 05:03 AM
FWIW, BIS mentioned in the book that they were going to bring "Bill James on-line" in some fashion in the near future. So, we may see more of him soon.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at March 5, 2007 09:24 AM
~~~It wasn't just money that won him over.~~~
IIRC, his wife wanted to go to school in Boston - so, the relo fit the family needs too.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at March 5, 2007 09:29 AM
I would still recommend Moneyball first, before this book.
1) Lewis's great skill is to explain a paradigm shift from 30,000ft, this is his trademark. (read liar's poker and the new new thing)
2) Lewis is a baseball outsider, and makes inside baseball concepts accessible to the outsider.
3) Lewis is an excellent writer, bottom line.
Posted by: Jason O. at March 5, 2007 10:11 AM
As much as I hate to see Bill James working for the really evil empire, I can't fault him for taking the bucks -- it beats working as a nightwatchman.
Posted by: rbj at March 5, 2007 10:14 AM