Are you looking for ideas about how to engage students in math, or show them how it applies to the real world? Here is a fun one for sports lovers. John Roach at msnbc.com recently published an article called “The Math and Science of Baseball.” It outlines various ways in which math and science have been applied to the sport.

We all know about batting averages, but did you know scientists have analyzed everything from how likely it is that the best team will win with the current number of games vs. the ideal number of games per season, that mathematical models judging fielding ability have been created, and that statisticians have studied managerial style in relation to different types of teams?

Also, do you know which is faster, a head-first or a feet-first slide into base? Check out the article to find out – and maybe include some of these fascinating facts in your next math class!