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Instructor/Advisor

Melissa St. Hilaire

Keywords

Data Science, MLB, Time Difference

Abstract

This study examines the impact of jet lag and time zone travel on team performance in Major League Baseball (MLB). Given the demanding travel schedules in professional sports, particularly in MLB where teams often go through multiple time zones, this research looks to find the effects of circadian rhythm disruptions and travel-induced fatigue on competitive outcomes.

Using historical game data from 2000-2024, this analysis evaluates team performance metrics, including home and away records, winning percentages, and statistical trends following long-distance travel. The study considers physical and mental factors associated with travel fatigue, such as sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment, to determine their effects on player performance and game results.

By using advanced sports analytics methodologies in coding languages like Python and RStudio, this research aims to find statistically significant patterns and trends that may improve team strategies, coaching decisions, and scheduling. The findings add to the conversation on sports science and improved athlete performance, giving data-driven insights into the relationship between travel fatigue and competitive success in professional baseball.

Sleep, Travel, and Slumps: Measuring Jet Lag’s Impact on MLB Games

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