network analysis: MLB

Here, I explore basic components of social networks using Sean Lahman’s MLB dataset. The infographic displays centrality of teams based on relationships of players shared. Those teams with higher centrality share more players with other teams, indicating importance to the MLB team network. I also used the overall network to identify clusters based on centrality. This revealed a cluster of highly central teams (e.g., STL - Cardinals, CIN - Reds, CHC - Cubs) and teams with low centrality (e.g., COL - Rockies, KC - Royals). Those teams in cluster 1 share more player connections with other teams than those in cluster 2, indicating their importance to the MLB network.

I also showed player-manager networks within teams (based on the number of years associated with the same team together) in this interactive graphic: MLB player-manager networks.

You can download this visualization here: Download here.