Jane Leavy

Veteran baseball writer Jane Leavy, known for her biographies of legends like Babe Ruth, dives into her new book, proposing bold reforms for the game. She suggests wrapping major league outfields in uniform 18-foot plexiglass walls to promote exciting plays rather than predictable home runs. Leavy critiques analytics for stifling creativity and urges a return to speed and defensive prowess. She also calls for free tickets for kids to nurture future fans, reflecting her deep love for baseball and its vibrant community.

In this highlight reel, guest insights shine bright. Annanya Raghavan dives into Google Trends, revealing a surge in WNBA interest and how analytics drives fan engagement. Brandon Copeland advocates for college athlete rights, explaining NIL's evolution and the need for collective bargaining. Jane Leavy critiques modern baseball strategies shaped by analytics and proposes changes to revive the game. Dean Oliver explores NBA analytics, discussing player evaluation and emerging talents like Victor Wembanyama. Each guest offers a unique perspective on where sports are heading.

Jane Leavy, an acclaimed baseball biographer known for her works on legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, shares fascinating insights on how analytics have reshaped baseball. She argues that data-driven decisions have stripped the game of its traditional narratives and fan connection. Leavy proposes reforms, such as allowing longer pitching starts and improving marketing strategies to re-engage younger fans. She also discusses the impact of technology on game pace and player access, offering bold ideas to revitalize the sport.