Sport Analytics Podcast - Episode #4 - Riley Leonard - Data Scientist - Sports Modeling - FanDuel

01/17/25 • 28 min

In our fourth episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Riley Leonard, a Data Scientist in Sports Modeling & Innovation at FanDuel who’s also worked in the Boston Red Sox baseball analytics department. Riley shares how he built robust models to price MLB odds in real time, balanced fast-paced sports betting challenges, and leaned on the same pitch-by-pitch data used in MLB front offices. Riley also dives into how his academic background in behavioral economics influenced his baseball research and gave him a unique lens on batting decisions. From applying advanced R packages for predictive modeling to communicating insights with non-technical teams, Riley’s journey shines a light on the intersection of analytics, player evaluation, and sports betting innovation. Whether you’re fascinated by the fantasy baseball aspect of an MLB front office or curious about real-time sports betting operations, you won’t want to miss Riley’s insights into predictive modeling, robust data pipelines, and bridging academia with high-stakes professional environments.

Key Takeaways: MLB & Sports Betting: How publicly available StatCast data underpins both front-office scouting and real-time odds making. Fast-Paced Model Updates: Why reliability and edge-case testing matter when you’re live in the sportsbook. Behavioral Biases: Applying cognitive science to understand why players swing—and what that means for predictive analytics. Communication is King: Translating complex data insights for traders, coaches, scouts, and executives alike. Building a Portfolio: Why diving into public projects—even with simple R or Python scripts—can fast-track your sports analytics career. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career advice, and technical breakdowns! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #FanDuel #MLB #BaseballAnalytics #PredictiveModeling #BehavioralEconomics #SportsBetting #DataScience #CareerAdvice #CollegeBaseballAnalytics

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Sport Analytics Podcast - Episode #3 - Neil Pierre-Louis - Baseball Systems - Boston Red Sox

In the third episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Neil Pierre-Louis, a Software Engineer for Baseball Systems at the Boston Red Sox. Neil takes us on a fascinating ride—starting as an Environmental Science major, interning at Google, leading analytics projects for UNC Baseball, and now contributing to an MLB front office. Neil explains how he built a robust foundation in SQL and software development, created hockey analytics tools like expected goals models, and collaborated with coaches to turn raw data into strategic insights. He also offers candid advice on building a standout portfolio, navigating cross-departmental projects, and knowing when (and how) to showcase your work. Whether you’re already in the sports analytics space or just exploring your passion for data-driven insights, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the intersection of tech and baseball. Key Takeaways: Balancing passion projects in hockey analytics with a fast-paced MLB role Bridging Google’s large-scale processes with a startup-like environment in sports Building front-end solutions and managing tight deadlines in baseball research and development The pivotal role of SQL in handling massive sports datasets Tips for communicating complex models to non-technical stakeholders 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career advice, and technical breakdowns!

📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #BaseballAnalytics #BostonRedSox #SQL #HockeyAnalytics #SoftwareEngineering #DataEngineering #CareerAdvice #CollegeBaseballAnalytics

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Sport Analytics Podcast - Episode #5 - Josh Pohlkamp-Hartt - Associate Director of Hockey Analytics - Boston Bruins

In our fifth episode of the Sport Analytics Podcast, our host Amrit Vignesh sits down with Dr. Josh Pohlkamp-Hartt, the Associate Director of Hockey Analytics at the Boston Bruins. From designing novel neutral-zone metrics with the Kingston Frontenacs to sharpening in-game analytics for one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, Josh has seen firsthand how data transforms pro hockey decision-making. Josh explains how he translates complex statistical models into quick-hit insights for coaches, scouts, and front-office staff—from daily player evals to long-term trade and contract strategies. He also draws on his PhD training in statistics (and prior experience at Apple) to highlight the importance of building user-friendly dashboards, fostering trust with skeptical stakeholders, and doubling down on communication skills to make your analytics truly actionable. Whether you’re an NHL hopeful looking to automate your own analytics workflow or a data enthusiast intrigued by real-time puck- and player-tracking, this episode offers a deep dive into how advanced stats can give a storied hockey club its competitive edge.

Key Takeaways: Neutral-Zone Insights: Why controlling the middle of the ice often makes the biggest difference in modern hockey. Building Trust: How to show coaches that data can simplify their workflow—rather than complicate it. PhD Rigor Meets NHL Pressure: Balancing “speed vs. completeness” when your metrics directly impact roster decisions. Advanced Tech Stack: R, Python, AWS, and real-time puck tracking—scaling analytics in a fast-moving environment. Communication Counts: Why writing, presenting, and “meeting coaches on their terms” matters as much as model design. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring leaders in sports analytics, career advice, and technical breakdowns! 📧 For inquiries or collaborations, contact Dave Yount at [email protected]. 🎵 Music Credit: Intro and outro music for this episode is “Nomu” by Good Kid. #SportsAnalytics #HockeyAnalytics #NHL #BostonBruins #NeutralZone #DataScience #PhD #MachineLearning #Scouting #PlayerTracking #SportTech