Pay Ball: Estimating the Profitability of the New York Yankees 1915-1937

Abstract

Using a data set containing a near complete set of account books for the New York Yankees for the years 1915-37, we look at several issues, including an analysis of the profitability of owning a professional baseball team during this time period. We look at returns to capital and investments in the team, sources of revenue and expenses faced by the team, and relative salaries. This type of analysis gives us a fascinating insight into the operation of a professional sports team in the early 20th century.