a good measure of a hitter’s ability. This statistic combines getting on-base (on-base
percentage, or OBP) and advancing runners (slugging percentage, or SLG). It is also
more accurate thanks to the adjustment 1.2 OBP SLG, which compensates for
the fact that SLG has a wider range than OBP.
Pitching statisticsinclude the ERA and WHIP. The earned run average(ERA)
is the earned runs times the innings in a game (most commonly nine) divided by
the innings pitched. The walks plus hits per inning pitched(WHIP) records the
bases on balls (walks) plus hits divided by innings pitched. It’s a good way to mea-
sure the approximate number of walks and hits a pitcher allows in each inning
that he pitches. It then compares that amount to other pitchers to formulate a
pitcher’s index.
What are some statisticsused in football?
There are several mathematical statistics used in football. The touchdown percentage
is the touchdown passes divided by the pass attempts. The passer (quarterback) rating
is determined by four elements and their statistical calculations: percent of comple-
tions, average yards gained per attempt, percentage of touchdown passes, and the per-
cent of interceptions. The average is 1.0, the bottom is 0, and the maximum anyone
can receive in any category is 2.375 (this is difficult; for a passer to gain 2.375 in com-
pletion percents, he would have to complete 77.5 percent of his passes). Those passers
who earn a 2.0 rating or better are exceptional. For example, the National Football 435
RECREATIONAL MATH
The mathematical study of the American pastime of baseball is called “sabermetrics.” Reportage/Getty Images.