Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind How Sports Are Played and Games Are Won Audiobook

" Very mildly interesting. Excerpts in Sports Illustrated were the best parts. Didn't even finish it. "

" A little heavy on the numbers and stats at times, but overall, a very interesting read. If you like sports, and you enjoyed "Freakonomics," you'd probably like it! "

" If you are into sports a lot and math/economics a little bit, you'll enjoy this book. It occasionally went on a little bit too long in the name of thoroughness, but the insights were worthy, and the conclusions novel. Determining where home field advantage comes from and figuring out why the Cubs keep losing were two of my favorite sections. "

" This is an excellent book for any sports fan and becomes even better if you enjoy stats and numbers. "

" If you have interests in the mathematics of probabilty and in sports, you should definitely read this book. Personally, I follow both college and pro football intensely, college basketball sporadically, and find major league baseball to be the televised equivalent of a test pattern. This book is divided fairly evenly among those three sports, with a little hockey and soccer thrown in now and then. I found the football portions fascinating, the basketball sections interesting (mostly as validation of the football examples) and the rest a little dull. I don't think that is the fault of the book, but more a reflection of my own tastes. I do think statistics and probability are fun subjects. It was enlightening to read how home vs. away games, human nature, coin-flips, officiating and generally followed standard practices truly affect scores, wins and losses. I also loved the section toward the end about the NFL draft. While I can't say the book was a riveting read, I can tell you that it is much more interesting than the average statistical report, and very easy to understand. It did keep my interest from start to finish, although I did have to make myself hash through a few portions solely devoted to baseball, soccer or hockey. Fortunately, those portions were not lengthy, so it wasn't that difficult. I do feel that I will watch the upcoming football season armed with some new knowledge that will enhance my enjoyment of the game. The endnotes state that a sequel may be forthcoming, which will include some other factors that influence (or, contrary to popular belief, do NOT influence) sports, wins, and final scores. I definitely will be looking out for it. I have a feeling that I'll see the influence of reading this book as I watch sports in the future, and may even go back and read it again. While not a life-changing experience, I do feel I have an expanded perspective. It will be interesting to see how it affects my enjoyment of the upcoming football season. "

" This is Freakonomics for sports fans. Very interesting going into details of why the home team wins more games than the visiting team and other little tidbits about sports. "

" An interesting commentary on the psychology of sports and why some teams often go for the short glory rather than long term winning. "

" It was kind of like a watered-down Freakonomics. But the worst part were the false dilemmas scattered throughout the book in an attempt to supposedly teach you something about reality (or sports, in this case). "

" Freakonomics for the sports enthusiast. Fun read, although light on the statistics and conclusions. In short, referees are the "cause" of homefield advantage...mostly. "

" Didn't get much new here, largely seemed to be retreads "

" Probably I rated it higher than it should be. Weak on the chapter about "buying titles" and some pitching insights. Too many assumptions. Scope of the book was far too large. "

" It's Freakonomics for sports nerds like me! "

" Sports + Statistical Analysis = Geek heaven for me! "

" This was a really cool book. If you like sports, check it out. "

" This book gives sports myths the "Freakonomics" treatment. I loved the ideas and observations. I hope some of my sport loving brother-in-laws read it so I can discuss the ideas with someone. "

" If you follow this kind of thing, you won't learn much new from this book. But it'd be interesting if you don't. "

" I read only the NFL parts. Debunks myths like defense wins championships, etc. Heavy on statistics. Verdict: worthwhile read for sports fans. "

" The application of statistics to various nagging sports questions. Really fascinating stuff! "

" Freakonomics for sports, but actually pretty boring. Some interesting ideas, but a lot of their theories just seemed like common sense to me. "

" really interesting. went on a little too much about home field/court advantage but otherwise really interesting! "

" The book really answers some interesting questions. Sometimes their leap from a few statistics to conclusion is a little too large but overall a great read. "

" Excellent read for the sports fan who enjoys questioning conventional wisdom. "

" Sports + Statistical Analysis = Geek heaven for me! "

" Very mildly interesting. Excerpts in Sports Illustrated were the best parts. Didn't even finish it. "

" Overall good, but I am getting lost with the football descriptions... "

" Interesting. Some parts more interesting than others. Heavily slanted towards professional sports while I am more a college fan, so that decreased my enjoyment a little. "

" Although the numbers running left me a little blurry eyed in places, overall the book was an excellent look into how statistics prove or disprove many long time myths in sports. It doesn't matter which sport you like, this book should be part of your sports library. "

" Didn't get much new here, largely seemed to be retreads "

" Worth reading if only for the chapters about the Cubs and referees being the reason for home-field advantage. "

" Good topics, well written and somewhat informative. A good idea that might need better topics to tackle and stop basing most of the theories on NBA free throw shooting. "

" I read only the NFL parts. Debunks myths like defense wins championships, etc. Heavy on statistics. Verdict: worthwhile read for sports fans. "

" It's like Freakonomics for sports fans... I love sports stats and so this was right up my alley. "