Sport Management  News

Along with Dean Murphy, the entire Falk College community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, community partners and friends, congratulates to the Class of 2023! Falk College’s seven academic departments and schools represented 529 degree candidates, including:

• 321 undergraduates;
• 155 masters candidates;
• 50 students earning certificates of advanced study, and;
• 3 Ph.D. students.

Through the month of May, departments across Falk College honored student achievements and celebrated the graduating Class of 2023, which are detailed on individual department websites.

Falk College Convocation was held Saturday, May 13 at Lally Athletic Complex. Falk College Convocation, other college convocations, and the May 14 Syracuse University Commencement ceremony, were recorded and are available to view on the Syracuse University commencement website and is also included below.

Falk College Convocation | Saturday, May 13 | 5:30 p.m. ET

Syracuse University Commencement | Sunday, May 14 | 9:30 a.m. ET

Diane Lyden Murphy, dean of the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, received Syracuse University’s highest honor–the Chancellor’s Medal–at the One University Awards Ceremony April 21 at Hendricks Chapel.

The Chancellor’s Medal is awarded to individuals in honor of their trailblazing and extraordinary contributions to the University, to an academic body of knowledge, or to society. Dean Murphy, who was appointed Dean of the College of Human Services and Health Professions (now Falk) in May 2005, checks all three boxes.

“This medal is given for the very things Diane has always done here: extraordinary contributions to the University, to the community, to academic knowledge,” Chancellor Kent Syverud said before presenting the Chancellor’s Medal to Dean Murphy. “She’s done those things, but she’s also done one thing that’s even rarer and worth celebrating and I can say this from experience, she has consistently and faithfully had the courage to speak up.

“She’s had the courage to speak up, including to chancellors, when things are not right, when they could be better, and even more rare is that after speaking up she has the integrity to roll up her sleeves and actually work to make them better,” Chancellor Syverud added.

Dean Murphy was one of several 2022-23 award recipients who were honored at the April 21 ceremony. Watch the video of the Chancellor’s Medal presentation here:

Dean Murphy received four degrees at the University and joined the faculty in the School of Social Work in 1978. Prior to her appointment at Falk, Dean Murphy served 17 years as director of the Women’s Studies program in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dean Murphy’s many contributions to the University include co-authoring the University’s sexual harassment policy; initiating studies of gender pay equity; developing adoption and domestic partner benefits; and creating a family-friendly environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Chancellor Syverud started his remarks by reading a news release from January 1973 about Dean Murphy’s appointment as a personnel intern in the Office of Student Affairs who would “specialize in the problem of married students.” She served as a liaison between married students and the administration and from that work arose the first childcare center on campus.

“There have been a lot of initiatives in the last 50 years at Syracuse University to help people and populations in our community,” Chancellor Syverud said. “There have been precious few where Diane Lyden Murphy has not been present and accounted for in support of doing the hard work and listening and doing the problem-solving and speaking up to make things better.

“We talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and support for survivors, Diane was there often before most of the world had developed the vocabulary to describe the problem and the opportunity,” Chancellor Syverud added. “Going back to that first press release, Diane never regarded married students as a problem, she never regarded these things as problems, she regarded them as opportunities. And boy, she’s made an impact on this University! I can’t imagine what this place would be like today without her work, but I’m certain it would be a less accomplished and a colder and less just and less human place.”

The Chancellor’s Medal is the latest in an extensive list of awards Dean Murphy has received while at the University, including the Excellence in Graduate Education Award from the Graduate School, the Francis McMillan Parks Women of Influence Award, and a Chancellor’s Citation. In 2005, the Women’s Studies Program established the Diane Lyden Murphy Women’s Studies Activism Award in her honor.

Alison Gilmore, a Sport Analytics major in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, was selected as one of 35 Syracuse University students who will be 2023-24 Remembrance Scholars.

The scholarships, now in their 34th year, were founded as a tribute to—and means of remembering—the students studying in London and Florence through Syracuse University who were killed in the Dec. 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The scholarships are funded through an endowment supported by gifts from alumni, friends, parents, and corporations.

Remembrance Scholars are chosen in their junior year through a competitive selection process. The selection committee is composed of University faculty and staff and current Remembrance Scholars. The $5,000 scholarships are awarded on the basis of scholarship, leadership, and service to the community.

Visit SU News for a complete list of 2023-24 Remembrance Scholars and more information about how they were selected.

Braeden Cheverie-Leonard ’26 didn’t want to stop using his pacifier as a young boy. So, his parents made him a deal: Lose the pacifier and he was allowed to play a video game with his father. The deal worked and Cheverie-Leonard played his first video game.

Over the years he engaged in all sorts of games, but it was the popular Call of Duty—a first-person shooter game—that really caught his interest. Like any athlete who specializes in a sport, Cheverie-Leonard, a sport management major in Syracuse University’s Falk College, played and practiced for hours. Eventually, he got the opportunity to play competitively.

While still a high school student, Cheverie-Leonard, whose player name is BCL, joined the Minnesota Rokkr Academy, a rookie team in the Call of Duty league based in Minnesota. As a semi-professional, he earned a salary and received performance-based incentives. He was sponsored by Mountain Dew Game Fuel, and recently he’s been in touch with Rumble Gaming, Under Armour, which is planning to launch an esports clothing brand, and Beats, which is looking to get into the gaming headset industry.

Now, Cheverie-Leonard is a member of the Syracuse esports team. Primarily an assault rifle player, he can also flex for the other positions on the four-person team. “I’m the only player at Syracuse—and I think in the country—with Call of Duty professional experience,” he says.

Game Time

As a successful semi-pro, Cheverie-Leonard was recruited to play varsity esports by several schools, but Syracuse—which competes only on a club level—proved to be the best overall fit. “I liked having the ability to help shape the esports program at Syracuse,” he says. “A lot of schools have great esports business professionals that helped shape their programs, but not many have esports players that shaped them.

“The esports world is so new, it’s all about taking chances,” he continues. “Rokkr took a chance on me when I was balancing school, activities and playing at a high level. In a way, I took a chance on Syracuse, trying to envision the best possible outcome for a program with so much potential.”

Cheverie-Leonard was named co-captain of Syracuse’s team where he oversees the roster. He also has two students working on the team’s Twitter and Instagram accounts, which feature game schedules and highlights. The team—which plays in the College Call of Duty league—currently consists of four starters and two bench players and is searching for a coaching staff. They’ve played several scrimmages and recently began participating in organized league play.

“I absolutely love Syracuse,” he says. “I bleed orange. I’ve been involved in everything I can hear.”

It hasn’t been all fun and games, though. As one of the few openly gay competitive Call of Duty players, Cheverie-Leonard says competitive gaming can be sexist and homophobic at times.

“That is the current dark side of esports,” Cheverie-Leonard says. “It’s primarily straight men in their twenties. I think we could do a lot to diversify that.” To that end, he says one of his goals with Syracuse’s esports program is to make it more inclusive. He also implemented a zero-tolerance policy against trash talking. Any slurs or profanity and a player is off the team.

Level Up Goals

Besides his aspirations for the esports team, Cheverie-Leonard is on the path to a new goal—with his sport management studies and training, he hopes to one day become a general manager of a sports team. “I’ve always liked leadership, whether that’s coaching or as a general manager or an owner. I’m a people person, I want to do something that can make the people around me more successful,” he explains. His classes have opened his eyes to the many opportunities in sports he hadn’t considered—sponsorship, ticket sales and event management. And he loves the access to guest speakers and alumni who’ve shared their experiences with him and his classmates.

Cheverie-Leonard is also recognized for his gaming accomplishments, literally and figuratively. He’s been approached for photos and autographs by fellow students, and he’s been a guest speaker in esports classes on campus.

A return to professional competitive esports isn’t written in the stars, though. Saying he doesn’t “want to get arthritis when he’s 30,” Cheverie-Leonard is looking for other ways to stay involved, including coaching, which he’s done in the past. He urges players to exercise like any athlete would and to be aware of injuries. Hand and wrist injuries, eye strain, and neck and back problems are common from hours of sitting at a computer.

Outside of class and the esports gaming room in the Barnes Center at The Arch, Cheverie-Leonard keeps busy with activities that allow him to interact with current and prospective students and their families. He’s in Otto’s Army, a Falk College student ambassador, and a University 100 member training to be a campus tour guide. He’s also done commentary on sports radio and sports podcasts.

“I truly appreciate the respect that esports gets at Syracuse,” Cheverie-Leonard says. “While esports has really added to my experience, my overall Syracuse experience has been incredible. I absolutely love it here. I can’t wait for the next three years.”

Game on.

~ An SU Story by Lisa Maresca originally published on April 4, 2023.

Fourteen members of the Class of 2023 have been named Falk College Scholars–the highest academic award conferred by Falk College on graduating seniors. Falk Scholars represent undergraduate students who display academic excellence, exceptional campus and community engagement, independent research and creative work, innovation in their disciplinary field, and personal integrity.

We asked the Class of 2023 Falk Scholars to describe their most meaningful experiences at Syracuse University. Here’s what they wrote:

Alexander Borelli, Sport Analytics

Throughout my four years at Syracuse University, my most influential and memorable experiences have come from within Falk College. Starting the Fantasy Sports Club in 2021 and serving as its vice president was an incredibly fulfilling experience that allowed me to bring together many like-minded individuals. It has been amazing to see an idea I started with one of my peers develop into a hub for students to attend weekly and discuss their fantasy football leagues.

Being a recruiting intern for the Syracuse University football team during the 2021-22 season was also a memorable experience that taught me a lot about the player operations side of a football organization. I was able to tie my love for sports and my background in player evaluation to a position that granted me the opportunity to make an impact on the team. Syracuse University, and the various experiences in my time here, has helped me develop into a better person and leader.

In the News: Borelli competed for the Syracuse University team that finished first in the game analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Kylie Dedrick, Sport Analytics

Syracuse has provided me with memories, experiences, and friends that will stick with me for many years to come. One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had at Syracuse would be joining the Sport Analytics Women (SAW) Club. I was involved with other clubs but SAW truly gave me a tight-knit community of women to go through this program with as there are not too many of us.

The club gave me the opportunity to grow as a person and take on more responsibility. Coming into college, I never thought I would be the president of a club, but here I am in my senior year serving as president. I’ve been able to participate in multiple case competitions, attend the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, and connect with some amazing people in the sport industry. Coming to Syracuse University is truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

In the News: Dedrick competed for the Syracuse University team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Kiersten Edwards, Public Health, Neuroscience

My time at Syracuse University has been full of ups and downs. While my classes and clubs have always provided security in their routine, it’s really the people and the adventures you embark on with those people that make the difference.

Nothing has been more meaningful to me than the nights I spent with friends staying awake far too late, or the in-depth conversations with faculty beyond school–the ones that dove into my dreams, my sorrows, and our collective hope for what the world could be someday. I am so grateful for the friends I made here, for the faculty mentorship I have received, and for the future that Syracuse has helped provide for me!

In the News: Edwards is also a 2023 Syracuse University Scholar and through public health, she found the path to improving the lives of others.

Taylor Fein, Nutrition Science and Dietetics

I have had many meaningful experiences at Syracuse but volunteering for the Shaw Center program “Books and Cooks” each semester is one that stands out the most. During this program, we visit a local elementary school every Friday to teach students a lesson about nutrition and food from different countries. I have built connections with the students and witnessed how much joy it brings to their day. I am grateful to have been part of a program that makes a difference in students’ lives.

Another experience that I am thankful for is conducting my own research. In my “Sleep and Hydration” study I was able to conduct hands-on research with human participants. I learned how important it is to improve and learn from each encounter along the way. I am now looking forward to pursuing a Ph.D. in physiology and continuing this path of academic discovery through research.

In the News: Fein received the 2021 Ruth Tolley Award from the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics.

Shane Halpin, Sport Analytics

The Sport Analytics program at Syracuse University has provided me with countless rewarding opportunities to cultivate and demonstrate my analytical skills as they relate to the world of sports. My most meaningful experiences have been representing Syracuse through SABR Diamond Dollars Case Competitions.

As part of these events, I have collaborated with peers formulating responses to complex prompts relevant to current issues in baseball. These experiences have required me to think outside the box and find as precise and unique answers as possible. Being selected as captain of my teams in the last two competitions has been a gratifying experience for me, allowing me to reflect on my growth as a student and as a leader. Additionally, I have been inspired to pursue further research related to baseball with my professors, igniting my passion to continue working in the sport industry upon graduation.

In the News: Halpin competed for the Syracuse University team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Aric Lechner, Public Health, Neuroscience

In my time at Syracuse University, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing, bright-minded people. Working closely under the guidance and mentorship of Professor Brittany Kmush and other faculty members in the Department of Public Health has been a defining experience and certainly helped shape my career goals. The pilot study was made possible through SOURCE (Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement), where I was able to receive funding for research to further analyze new methods for the detection of opioids in wastewater.

In addition to research and experiences in the Department of Public Health, Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) has been another place of support during my time here. Being able to serve as a personnel supervisor has had a meaningful impact on my growth as a leader, teacher, and person, and I am forever grateful to all of those who have made these last four years so special.

In the News: In addition to SUA, Lechner was a member of the “Goon Squad,” Syracuse University’s official welcoming committee for new students.

Eli Miller, Sport Analytics

Being part of the Falk College provided me with a unique learning experience that I could not have received anywhere else. The coursework was not only challenging but also very practical, giving me real-life experience that will undoubtedly come in handy in my future career.

Furthermore, the university’s robust internship program allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings, giving me hands-on experience and the opportunity to network with professionals in the sports industry. The faculty and staff were also incredibly supportive, providing me with guidance and resources to succeed both academically and personally. I feel confident that my experiences at Syracuse University have given me a strong foundation for success in the sports industry, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

In the News: Miller competed for the Syracuse University team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Mara Miranda, Public Health

Since beginning my journey at Syracuse University, I have had opportunities that have helped me grow professionally and personally. As I reflect on the past four years, the experience that I’ve had participating in undergraduate research through the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE) has been truly rewarding.

Working with Professor Justin Ehrlich, Professor Brittany Kmush, and Professor Shane Sanders on research involving head injuries, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), helmet policies, and rule changes in the NFL has helped me bridge my love for sports with my passion for public health and medicine. It has helped me to look at athletics from a different lens, and I have appreciated this experience. Being a member of the Falk community has granted me opportunities that I will hold for a lifetime.

In the News: Miranda assisted with the research for the study on head injuries for NFL players that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Matthew Penn, Sport Analytics

Some of my most influential experiences at Syracuse have been in clubs. One of those clubs is the Baseball Statistics and Sabermetrics Club, for which I have served as the vice president. Through the organization, I have been able to work on research and travel to Arizona to compete against other schools across the country in SABR Case Competitions.

Another club that has been influential in my time at Falk is the Sport Management Club and its Charity Sports Auction. As co-chair of the Analytics Committee for the auction, I have been able to help raise money and give back to the Central New York community. These experiences have helped me grow both as a person and in my career.

In the News: Penn and the Sport Management Club raised more than $50,000 for Vera House at the 2022 Charity Sports Auction.

Madison Roberts, Human Development and Family Science

Syracuse University offered many extraordinary opportunities, but my time presenting at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) stands out as one of the most impactful. In the fall of my sophomore year, I began an independent study with Professor Matthew Mulvaney and another student. We examined the developmental and personality variables that influenced students’ willingness to engage with diverse viewpoints on campus. This project was accepted for the SPSP National Conference in Atlanta. In February, we flew to Georgia and presented our poster at a three-day conference.

This opportunity reinforced my passion for research. I have been able to conduct two projects across the human development and family science field. This contributed to my decision to pursue graduate school, including taking a position in a research lab. I look forward to taking these skills and applying them to my future academic career.

In the News: Roberts received the 2021 Florence B. Potter Memorial Award from the Department of Human Development and Family Science.

Brielle Seidel, Public Health

Syracuse University has been a place of true academic and personal growth for me. I have been able to explore my passion for the medical field and service by taking public health and addiction classes and engaging in meaningful campus organizations, including Syracuse University Ambulance and Camp Kesem. Additionally, I traveled abroad to Geneva, Switzerland, expanding my understanding of the world and addiction studies.

Syracuse University and its incredible staff have encouraged me to converge my personal and academic interests through their support of my thesis about psychedelic medicine. Their support for my passions has given me a deeper appreciation for my education at this University.

Finally, being a 2022-2023 Remembrance Scholar has been one of the most meaningful experiences at Syracuse. I faced challenges and grief in honoring Luann Rogers and those who perished on Pan Am Flight 103. Through that experience, I was able to find the importance of promoting peace, connection, and love–the qualities that build a better future.

In the News: Seidel was one of Syracuse University’s 2022-23 Remembrance Scholars, whose mission was to honor and remember the Syracuse students and others lost in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.

Joanna Vines, Public Health, Policy Studies

During my freshman year, I determined that a double major in public health and policy studies would align with my interests and goals. This interdisciplinary path of study created a trajectory that has provided me with valuable opportunities and meaningful experiences and enabled me to make positive impacts over my years at Syracuse.

I have engaged in experiential learning roles as a research consultant for the Onondaga County health department, an intern for Planned Parenthood, and a laboratory assistant at the COVID-19 Program Management Office. Through these positions, I enhanced my skills and knowledge in public health practice and connected with influential public health community leaders. These experiences inspired the research content for my honors thesis, which addresses public health and educational disparities and inequities in New York State.

In the News: This spring, Vines is working as an intern in the Education and Outreach department at Planned Parenthood of Syracuse.

Benjamin Wachtel, Sport Analytics

When I first learned of the Sport Analytics program at Syracuse University, I knew it was the best choice for me. Now as I am completing my studies, I can reflect on how much I have grown both inside and outside the classroom.

Out of all my experiences–whether it be competitions, research, or other extracurricular projects–one of the most meaningful has been being a Berlin Scholar for Sport Management Instructor Adrian Simion. In this role, I am participating in department research while also learning about this process. I have assisted with research pertaining to the NCAA transfer portal, providing input on project ideas and cleaning data.

Currently, I am aiding the initial stages of a Major League Baseball deep-learning project. My growth as a student and researcher, and my future professional in the industry, could not have been achieved without the opportunities the Sport Analytics program provided to me.

In the News: Wachtel competed for the Syracuse University team that finished first in the game analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Junhui “Carol” Yang, Nutrition Science and Dietetics, Psychology

As an undergraduate researcher and research assistant at Syracuse University, I have been presented with numerous impressive opportunities and resources. During my sophomore year, I joined Professor Latha Ramalingam’s lab and worked on a study investigating the cross-generational effects of omega-3 fatty acids on improving obesity and chronic inflammation. Through this research project, I learned various skills in experimental operation, including testing gene expressions. This experience not only expanded my knowledge but allowed me to receive multiple scholarships, awards, and poster presentation opportunities, which have been incredibly encouraging.

Furthermore, serving as a peer mentor in International Student Success and the Renée Crown Honors Program, and being a teaching assistant for Professor Jane Burrell, has provided me with meaningful opportunities to assist others. Additionally, I am honored to have been pre-selected by the Phi Beta Kappa Society New York Chapter at Syracuse University, the most prestigious academic honor society in America. The confidence and passion I have developed at Syracuse have propelled me toward pursuing my dream of becoming a physician-scientist.

In the News: Yang’s research with Ramalingam involved examining obesity in male mice to explore the idea that a healthier father will produce a healthier child.

Each spring, there’s a prestigious, student-centric event featuring colleges and universities affiliated with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) that has nothing to do with March Madness and everything to do with research and preparedness.

During the annual ACC Meeting of the Minds research conference, held March 24-26 on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, undergraduate students from each ACC institution convened to present recent findings to their peers.

The nomination and selection process—conducted by the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE)—is extremely competitive, and only five students represented Syracuse:

• Jordyn Lee, a sophomore sport management major in Falk College;
• Nathan Ashby, a senior biochemistry and neuroscience major in the College of Arts and Sciences;
• Grace Brock, a senior political science major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences;
• Katarina Sako, a junior neuroscience and biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences; and
• Husna Tunje, a junior environmental engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Students either delivered a 10-minute oral presentation followed by a Q&A (Brock and Sako) or they devised a poster displaying their research (Ashby, Lee and Tunje).

Get to know this year’s Falk College Orange representative at the conference, her passion for her research topic and how this experience inspired her to go further with her research:

Jordyn Lee ’25: Tracking a Lack of Diversity and Equity in Professional Sports Front Offices

When Lee heads home after completing her sophomore year, she will intern for two different sports organizations: with event operations for Fastpitch Nation Softball Park, a sports complex in Windsor, Connecticut, and with USA Boccia, a national organization dedicated to promoting a highly competitive seated Paralympic sport where athletes with disabilities and able-bodied athletes participate in a throwing sport.

Lee, a lifelong tennis player, hopes to work for a professional sports organization or league once she finishes her sport management degree. As someone who grew up playing and following sports, Lee knows the front offices of these leagues and teams predominantly feature male executives.

When she arrived on campus, Lee noticed that her sport management classes contained mostly males, but she was determined to follow in the footsteps of recent female sport management graduates who have landed key jobs with professional sports teams and leagues. Those experiences of being in the minority in the classroom, combined with her personal experiences in sports, inspired Lee’s poster presentation delving into the lack of diversity and equity among the front offices of teams in both the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

“Just speaking with the other participants at the Meeting of the Minds gave me new insights into my research and [the knowing] that the possibilities are endless,” Lee says. “This experience inspired me to keep doing what I’m doing, to keep going with this research, and to expand it to include other sports leagues, like the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), to compare their front offices to the NBA teams. I left this conference more determined to raise awareness of this issue and make changes in these professional sports organizations.”

Read more about all the students representatives.

The Major League Baseball (MLB) season opens this week with major changes in store. A pitch clock, new pickoff limits, bigger bases and rules on shifting infielders are all aimed at helping America’s pastime take up less time. Three Syracuse University faculty members with connections to the game and the numbers behind it offer thoughts on what fans can expect on opening day and beyond.

Brad Horn, professor of public relations in the Newhouse School and former VP of communications for the Baseball Hall of Fame

“The reality is that for the game to navigate a 162-game regular season, change is essential to the sport’s relevancy. Change is overdue, and change is good.

“Ironically, baseball was never meant to be played over a span of more than three hours. Efficiency has been the ultimate reward: the shortest effort between 27 outs typically signals victory.

“But somewhere along the way, the game itself slowed to a crawl while the rest of the world ran out of patience. As sports fans, we crave efficiency: the two-minute drill, the last-second possession, the power play. Yet baseball has continued to rely on the timeless nature of the game. While redeeming, good only for the few who can afford to wait.

“The reality is that the game can no longer stand on history and tradition alone to be relevant. The raw numbers just don’t matter as much as they once did. But the excitement of baseball—a thrilling postseason, a dramatic walk-off, an incredible World Baseball Classic—are the moments that matter more today. Creating more shareable moments is central to the game’s growth and future.”

Jason Maddox, assistant professor of sport management in the Falk College with a teaching specialty in analytics

“I do not believe the new rules will have a very large effect on the way the game is played. There may be some minor growing pains for pitchers with the pitch clock early on in the season, but many players have already played with a pitch clock instituted in the minor leagues since the 2015 season. As with any rule change or emphasis, I envision the umpires will enforce the changes more strictly at the beginning of the season, but I would expect there to be a lot of leeway on the new rules once September and October roll around.

“I think that the biggest change in the game for this season will be a lot more action occurring on the basepaths with stolen base attempts. Limited pitcher disengagements and larger bases will make it much more difficult for pitchers to hold runners, and therefore increase stolen base successes along with attempts.”

Jeremy Losak, assistant professor of sport management in the Falk College and former baseball analytics consultant

“MLB rule changes will do exactly what the league wants them to do: make the game of baseball more interesting and enjoyable to watch. The new rules also allow for more diversity in play styles.

“Starting with the new pickoff rules and larger bases (and pitch timer, to some extent). Analytical thinking had mostly killed the stolen base because the potential cost of getting an out outweighed the benefit of gaining the extra base. These new rules reduce the likelihood of recording an out when attempting to steal (we do not know by how much just yet, but some expect the effect to be huge), which should lead to significantly more attempts to steal bases.

“This, in turn, impacts the marginal impact of a single and reduces the marginal impact of a walk. Generally, it takes three singles to score a run (if only singles are hit). With increased stealing, it may only take two singles to score a run. This makes singles hitting more valuable than it was previously, and more importantly, it decreases the value of the home run relative to the single. Combine this with the new shift restrictions, increasing the likelihood that a ball hit on the ground results in a hit, hitting for contact in general, as opposed to hitting for power, should become much more prevalent. Now combine this with less dead time, and there should be much more in-game action this season.

“I also anticipate lineup management, and specifically the role analytics plays in lineup management, to be even more crucial this year. With multiple home run jacking individuals in the lineup, the key objective in past years would typically be to get people on base so home runs do more damage, leading to fairly simple lineup strategies (and incentivizing walks, i.e., not swinging). With more diverse outcomes, and more hits in play as opposed to home runs, player sequencing will be especially critical to get right. I expect there will be a general reversion toward more traditional lineup setups (speed hitter no. 1, best contact hitter no. 2, best overall hitter no. 3, best power hitter no. 4) as opposed to what we have seen more recently (best OBP player no. 1, best overall hitter no. 2).

“Of course, there will be bugs to work out, especially as teams find loopholes in the pitch clock and shift rules. Teams will spend the early part of the season trying to identify the optimal aggressiveness on the basepaths, and pitchers will continue getting accustomed to working under time duress. The pickoff rule is wonky, which is part of the reason stolen base rates should go up significantly. At this point, it is not clear if everyone will run more, if just the top players will run more or if everyone will see some sort of proportional increase in their baserunning aggressiveness. Again, part of that will work itself out during the early part of the season. Teams will surely review early season data very closely. Although I do expect catchers who can throw out runners will be more greatly compensated and sought after.

“I expect more runs to be scored despite a slight decrease in home runs (unless MLB messes with the aerodynamics of the baseball again). And the pitch clock has already shown evidence (in the minors and spring training) of being successful in its endeavor: to cut down on dead time in baseball games. Games will go much quicker but will also see more action. I am concerned about how the pace-of-play rules will impact pitcher durability, health and player safety. These rules may continue to push us away from the traditional starting pitcher. In fact, I wonder if this will be the next area of the game that is targeted for rule changes: the number of pitchers allowed to be brought in during a game.”

~ An SU News story by Keith Kobland originally published on Thursday, March 30, 2023.