In a game largely defined by athleticism, instinct and on-the-fly decision making, it is difficult to conceive that numbers have taken over baseball.
Before long, the analytical efforts of Oakland general manager Billy Beane brought the small-market Athletics to a level of competitiveness traditionally held by big-market teams like the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
The analytical details sought by Beane and his staff involved efficiency and creating opportunities, specifically for those who had a high on-base percentage.