In this episode of Rare Book Chat, we're diving into the revolutionary impact of Bill James's work on baseball and far beyond. Known to us (with affection) as the "Pork and Beans Man," Bill James transformed the way we think about baseball analytics, introducing statistical evaluation in sports with his groundbreaking work, "The Baseball Abstract." We discuss a very rare 1978 printing of James’ Baseball Almanac (offered by Type Punch Matrix) and how James, as an outsider, reshaped the understanding of player value and the lasting influence his ideas had on the concept of "Moneyball."

As we celebrate the start of the World Series, we also meander through the fascinating world of rare baseball memorabilia. We discuss everything from a jaw-dropping $24 million Babe Ruth jersey to a valuable questionnaire filled out by Jackie Robinson. Throughout our conversation, we explore the intersection of sports, literature, and how printed documents can help us understand cultural movements.