Major League Baseball Broadcasts and the Delineation of Traditional and Modern Fact Metrics

Abstract

This study analyzed fans' knowledge and acceptance of baseball statistics portrayed on regional broadcasts, with a particular emphasis on modern/advanced statistics. By way of Major League Baseball (MLB) team subreddits, fans were surveyed and quizzed on their knowledge of a variety of baseball statistics; they were also surveyed regarding how new or old school they are as a fan, as well as their levels of Schwabism and mavenism. Results indicated that MLB team broadcasts placing greater emphasis on modern statistics produce fans who are more accepting of and knowledgeable about advanced statistics. While new-school fans and those high in Schwabism and mavenism were found to be more favorable towards modern statistics, controlling for those attributes strengthened the association between team broadcast and modern statistical acceptance and knowledge. Through the lens of social cognitive theory, potential ramifications for statistical portrayals and the influence on both learning and unlearning are discussed.