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Book Review: Moneyball as Sport Finance in Action: But are the Lessons from Baseball More Generally Applicable?

Author

Listed:
  • Richard Wolfe

    (University of Michigan)

  • Kathy Babiak

    (University of Michigan)

  • Kim Cameron

    (University of Michigan)

  • Robert E. Quinn

    (University of Michigan)

  • Dennis L. Smart

    (Texas State University)

  • James R. Terborg

    (University of Oregon)

  • Patrick M. Wright

    (Cornell University)

Abstract

Moneyball (Lewis, 2003) is a book about baseball. The book describes how a small-market Major League Baseball team, the Oakland Athletics, has been able to compete with large-market teams by being innovative in a tradition-laden industry. However, when read through a business management lens, one discerns that this baseball book, in fact, has general management lessons in a variety of areas including leadership, innovation, overcoming resistance to change, and creating a sustainable competitive advantage. In this article, we outline and illustrate the valuable lessons for business that emerge from the Moneyball story. More specifically, we provide a brief overview of the book; summarize arguments for applying Moneyball ideas to management as presented in the popular media as well as in academia; determine the underlying management themes contained in the Moneyball story; and propose Moneyball lessons for managers.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Wolfe & Kathy Babiak & Kim Cameron & Robert E. Quinn & Dennis L. Smart & James R. Terborg & Patrick M. Wright, 2007. "Book Review: Moneyball as Sport Finance in Action: But are the Lessons from Baseball More Generally Applicable?," International Journal of Sport Finance, Fitness Information Technology, vol. 2(4), pages 249-262, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:jsf:intjsf:v:2:y:2007:i:4:p:249-262
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    competition; innovation; resistance to change; innovation diffusion; competitive advantage;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism

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