Stefan Szymanski and Andrew Zimbalist
National Pastime
How Americans Play Baseball and the Rest of the World Plays Soccer
Brookings Institution Press, 2005
Что внутри?
Why do Americans love baseball in a soccer-playing world? And why does baseball prosper, while soccer kicks around?
Recommendation
Soccer and baseball enjoy fervent followings and generate wads of cash, so this study of the two games’ economics and culture is as welcome as a towering home run (or a nifty goal). Economists Stefan Szymanski and Andrew Zimbalist compare and contrast the two sports’ business models in a way that will fascinate anyone who is interested in athletics or international business. The authors offer a fascinating history of these sports, complete with plenty of telling anecdotes that are sure to enlighten even devoted fans. The only gripe is that the writers sometimes bog down in scholarly phrasing when the reader might prefer more active prose. Still, getAbstract.com recommends this intriguing study to anyone who specializes in sports business - or even just buys a ticket to a game now and then.
Summary
About the Authors
Stefan Szymanski teaches economics at Imperial College London. His previous books include Winners and Losers: The Business Strategy of Football. Andrew Zimbalist teaches economics at Smith College. His previous books include Baseball and Billions and May the Best Team Win: Baseball Economics and Public Policy. Both frequently serve as consultants to the sports industry.
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