Accidents happen, but more so in the American League -- The legendary power of the on-deck hitter -- The extinct left-handed catcher -- Lobbying for balls and strikes -- How good is Leo Mazzone? -- Big city vs. small city -- The Marlins and Indians, c'mon -- The evolution of baseball talent --...

Major League Baseball pitcher Roger Clemens has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs to boost his performance. If Clemens used ergogenic aids consistent with the accusations of use, then unusual changes in productivity may be evident in his performance record. Two previous studies...

In baseball, allowing a designated hitter (DH) to bat for the pitcher creates the potential for moral hazard among pitchers, who may then hit more batters without the fear of retaliation by the opposing team. The use of the DH in only one of Major League Baseball's two leagues provides a natural...

This study examines reasons for the declining share of revenue going to Major League Baseball players. Though the players' union and team owners have proposed competing explanations, the phenomenon has not received any rigorous academic study. Economic theories for the similar decline of labor's...

This study examines the determinants of Major League Soccer team attendance during the league's recent era of growth. Estimates indicate that regular-season on-field performance is positively associated with attendance, but the returns to success are diminishing. Positive novelty effects are...

Movie production incentives (MPI) are a popular economic development strategy employed by US states. Film subsidies are intended to encourage external investment into an untapped industry that spills over onto complementary industries to generate economic growth through a multiplier. Despite...

This study investigates determinants of revenue in North America's four major professional sports leagues. Estimates reveal that revenue is positively associated with on-field success in baseball (MLB), basketball (NBA), and hockey (NHL), but not in football (NFL). The returns to winning are not...

Sports teams frequently fire and hire managers when they experience losing. However, determining managerial responsibility for player performance is difficult to measure. This study examines how major-league baseball players perform under different managers and estimates that managers have...