It Is Widely Known Among Baseball Enthusiasts That Babe Ruth

question 20

Essay

It is widely known among baseball enthusiasts that Babe Ruth actually performed quite well as a pitcher before leaving the Boston Red Sox for the New York Yankees. He was also of course a famously successful hitter. Why do you believe the Yankees chose not to use him as a pitcher? Explain using economic reasoning. Hint: pitchers typically only play every third or fourth game whereas other players in other positions play in nearly every game. Baseball has a season of 162 games.

---

Definitions:

Frank Knight

An influential economist known for his work on risk, uncertainty, and the role these factors play in the economy.

Henry George

An American economist and social reformer of the 19th century known for his advocacy of a "single tax" on land to improve social equity.

Unearned Surplus

Income received without labor or active management, often through investments, rents, or inheritance, not directly resulting from the recipient's effort.

Tax Revenue

The income that is gained by governments through taxation.