Early in the novel, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell talks about how the cutoff dates for sports influence the stars of the sport. In hockey the age cutoff is January 1st- there is a tendancy for the best hockey players to be born in the January to March range. In baseball the cutoff was July 31st- and there is a tendancy for the best players to be born in the August to October range. This is because when a youth starts a sport at a young age there is very little difference between the players, except for when they are born. A player born in August could be up to a year older than one of his team mates in baseball. A year will give him a year of extra growth and development, during a time where kids are growing more than ever. This increased size and coordination will cause them to be more advanced in there league. With allstar teams, rep teams, and select teams being picked at younger ages now, these “older” players will be chosen over the “younger” ones. Once on these select teams, they get more practice more playing time, and overall become better players, just because they had an extra year to grow.
I thought about these stats and applied them to my family. Baseball growing up was my skill, and hockey was my brothers. I played on all-star teams, and was asked to come out to extra practices. I was awarded league MVP of my little league. My brother was selected for rep hockey teams, he was offered spots in training camps, and was consistantly named captain of his hockey teams. I was born August 14th and my brother was born January 12th. We fit the mold of Outliers completely.
But knowing that this advantage is true made me think, is there any way that this clear cut advantage can be taken away? How can we run our youth sports so that there is no advantage just because of the month you are born. How can we give everyone an equal chance to be competitive in their sport?
This is very intruiging. I too was born in August and excelled at baseball. I think I might’ve played with you as well. Sounds like a killer book.
I read the Outliers and was intrigued by many of the examples of ‘great’ people who all would not have achieved their greatness if not for a ‘helping hand’. Whether that comes from birth date, culture or mentorship along the way.
He debunks the myth of individualism that perpeturates in stories of how people ‘made it on their own’. How unlikely is that when you think about it?
I was struck by how large a role ’support’ from others plays in the stories of success in his book. Either that or success as a result of ones ‘luck’ in being born in a certain place or on a certain date or order in a family…very interesting read.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read it and I think it might be worth a re-read. He makes some interesting observations and backs them up with evidence.
I recommend it for sure.
Nice reflection in this review of a book that sounds intriguing. I just asked my library to buy it so I hope it comes in soon.
That’s really interesting! Does it only apply to baseball and hockey, or does the author talk about other sports as well?
Just wondering if there are gender differences in this analysis?