Lessons on science from Sandy Koufax

Wesleyan biology professor Frederick M. Cohan and his Little League pals sat in the stands at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 9, 1965 and watched Sandy Koufax pitch a perfect game. Looking back, he writes in an LAT op-ed page article, the gaps in the record he wrote on his scorecard that day offer lessons for him today.

For me, the event proved to be a watershed moment in my lifelong obsession with data, and thus a major development in my future career in biology....

In gathering data — whether about ballplayers or bacteria, my specialty –— we must exercise not mere diligence but also foresight and imagination.

Bonus: Vin Scully calls the 9th inning of that game, posted in 2005 by blogger Rob McMillin at 6-4-2.

Related: The Dodgers' current manager, Don Mattingly, talks a little about Frank McCourt, his own divorce and following Joe Torre in a Q&A with Los Angeles magazine. Excerpt:

What’s your favorite thing about Dodger Stadium?

As you drive into the stadium you look at the mountains and palm trees and the beautiful setting. Then once you are inside you have that positive vibe and good feeling from the loyal Dodger fans. With everything that has happened this year, the fans at Dodger Stadium are still really excited about our club, and that means a lot to me.