7 Stats For The Ultimate Sports Wonk

Are you a self-proclaimed sports wonk? Do you devour advanced statistics and sabermetrics like they're going out of style? If so, you're in luck! The world of sports analytics has grown exponentially in recent years, providing an abundance of fascinating data points to geek out over. In this article, we'll explore seven stats that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning sports enthusiast.

Advanced Statistics in Sports: A Brief History

The concept of advanced statistics in sports dates back to the early 20th century, when baseball pioneers like Branch Rickey and Allan Roth began experimenting with data-driven approaches to player evaluation. However, it wasn't until the publication of Michael Lewis's book "Moneyball" in 2003 that sports analytics truly entered the mainstream. Today, teams across various sports leagues employ sophisticated statistical models to gain a competitive edge.

1. WAR (Wins Above Replacement) in Baseball

One of the most widely used advanced statistics in baseball is WAR, or Wins Above Replacement. Developed by sabermetrician Sean Smith, WAR measures a player's total value to their team, relative to a replacement-level player. The calculation takes into account multiple categories, including batting, fielding, and baserunning. For example, in 2020, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts accumulated an impressive 6.7 WAR, signifying that he was worth nearly seven more wins to his team than a replacement-level player.

2. True Shooting Percentage (TS%) in Basketball

In basketball, True Shooting Percentage (TS%) provides a more nuanced look at a player's shooting efficiency. Unlike traditional field goal percentage, TS% accounts for three-point attempts and free throws, offering a more comprehensive picture of a player's scoring ability. For instance, in the 2019-2020 season, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry boasted a remarkable 64.3 TS%, indicating that he was extremely efficient in his scoring.

3. Expected Possession Value (EPV) in Football

In football, Expected Possession Value (EPV) measures the average points a team is expected to score on a given play, based on factors like down, distance, and field position. Developed by analytics firm DataRobot, EPV helps coaches and analysts evaluate the effectiveness of different play calls. For example, a team facing 3rd-and-5 on their opponent's 30-yard line might have an EPV of 2.5, indicating that they can expect to score approximately 2.5 points on average.

4. Corsi in Hockey

In hockey, Corsi measures a team's shot attempts, including shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots. Developed by blogger Tim Barnes, Corsi provides a comprehensive look at a team's puck possession and shooting efficiency. For instance, in the 2019-2020 season, the Boston Bruins led the NHL with a 54.3 Corsi For Percentage (CF%), indicating that they generated more shot attempts than their opponents.

5. Stuff Rate in Baseball

In baseball, Stuff Rate measures a pitcher's ability to generate swings and misses on their pitches. Developed by analyst Eno Sarris, Stuff Rate takes into account factors like pitch velocity, movement, and location. For example, in 2020, New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom boasted a 34.6 Stuff Rate, indicating that he was able to generate an extremely high number of swings and misses.

6. Time of Possession in Football

In football, Time of Possession (TOP) measures the amount of time a team controls the ball during a game. While TOP has traditionally been viewed as a key indicator of a team's success, advanced statistics have revealed that it's not always a reliable metric. For example, a team might dominate TOP but still struggle to score points due to inefficiencies on offense.

7. PDO in Hockey

In hockey, PDO (Save Percentage + Shooting Percentage) measures a team's luck over a given period. Developed by analyst Brian King, PDO takes into account both a team's shooting percentage and their opponents' save percentage. For example, a team with a high PDO might be benefiting from an unsustainable amount of luck, while a team with a low PDO might be due for a bounce-back.

Wrapping Up

Advanced statistics have revolutionized the world of sports, providing fans, analysts, and coaches with a deeper understanding of the game. By examining metrics like WAR, TS%, EPV, Corsi, Stuff Rate, TOP, and PDO, we can gain a more nuanced appreciation for the complexities of each sport. Whether you're a die-hard sports enthusiast or simply looking to expand your knowledge, these seven stats are sure to satisfy your inner sports wonk.