Cincinnati Reds Analytics Manager Hits Homerun with Webster Stats Students

Students from Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas high schools got a firsthand look at how data drives the world of professional sports during a special presentation on October 23. Sean Fischer, the manager of baseball analytics for the Cincinnati Reds, visited approximately 50 students from the schools' statistical reasoning in sports classes to share how his team uses data to improve player performance and make strategic decisions.

Fischer's visit provided a real-world connection for the students, who are learning the four-step statistical process: asking questions, collecting data, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. The statistical reasoning in sports curriculum uses engaging examples, such as analyzing home-field advantage in the National Football League, to teach key concepts like correlation, regression, and hypothesis testing. Fischer's work—which includes player valuation and advance scouting—served as a compelling example of how these skills are applied outside the classroom.

The event, held in the library media center at Webster Thomas High School, brought together students from classes taught by Dan Prinzi at Webster Schroeder and Catherine Marchner at Webster Thomas. Both teachers noted that the opportunity to hear from a professional like Fischer underscored the practical relevance of their coursework.