The Sports Statistics Club had a blast at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference that was held in February right in the heart of Boston at the Boston Convention Center.  We had five members representing Washington University: Robbie Steirn, Austin Feinstein, Grant Goldman, Michael Berkowitz, and Michael Aronson. We learned how to statistically analyze everything from the effects of Tommy John Surgery with baseball pitchers to the most efficient shots to take on the basketball court, which was led by Shane Battier, former basketball player for the Miami Heat.

Aside from the panels, we had multiple opportunities to talk to big names in sports, such as the General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, Sam Hinkie, and President of Basketball Operations for the NBA, Rod Thorn.  It was incredible to be in the same room as so many famous people in the sports world.

Austin Feinstein (CFO of STATS), stated, “The best part of the conference was not the panels.  The best part was overhearing conversations between General Managers and other professional athletes about what they thought of the panelists.”

We learned so much at the SSAC, and we can’t wait to go back next year!

Guest blogger: Robbie Steirn is a sophomore in the Olin Business School studying Finance, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Communication Design. Robbie serves as the Sports Statistics Club’s President.