The Seamheads Ballparks Database is Here!

The latest version of the Seamheads (aka KJOK) Ballparks database has been loaded to the site (see http://seamheads.com/db/databases.htm , then click Ballpark Stat Splits.  There is also a link for the documentation file.)

The Ballparks Database contains both team statistical data and ballpark descriptive data.  For example, if you want to know how many doubles the 1915 Federal League ChiFeds hit at home, AND how many they allowed their opponents to hit at home, it’s there.   Or, if you want to know what the left-center field dimensions were for Yankee Stadium in 1936, it’s there.  Or, if you want to know how left-handed Detroit batters hit on the road in 1954, it’s there.

Park factors are actually NOT in the database – the idea being that you can take the data and calculate your own park factors however you see fit (use 1 year of data, 3 years of data, a simple home vs. road calculation, or something much more complex.)

For those already familiar with the database, here is a quick summary of the major changes:

1.  2008 season home/away left/right data added, plus same for 1999, 1955, 1954 and 1953 NL.

2.  1921, 1922 NL, 1923, 1924 NL, 1925, and 1926 NL home/away data.

3.  Added more dimension data points, so now the database captures up to nine  separate distances to the fence per park (left field line, left center, center field, etc.)

4.  Also added two more fence/wall height data points, for a total of up to five per park.

5.  Included fair territory in square feet, where known.

6.  Added foul territory qualifier (small, normal, large).

Over the next few months, we’ll be posting some ballpark analysis that uses the database.   In the meantime, feel free to download and enjoy!