Tag Archives: baseball

2023 Vol 2: Race, History, Change, and Social Activism: Baseball's Impact on America

Race & Baseball: The Daily Life, Social Activism, and Statistical Impact of the Negro Leagues

Timothy Wells, 7th Grade Social Studies, Alexander Graham Middle School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

Click on the arrow to read the Synopsis.

Synopsis: The 1940s to 1960s marked a transformative era for race and baseball in the United States, with significant strides in civil rights and social activism intersecting with the sport. During this period, the Negro Leagues played a pivotal role in providing African American players with a platform to showcase their talents, as segregation barred them from Major League Baseball. The Negro Leagues was laced with a rich history and traditions on the mainstream icons like Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, challenging racial prejudices and becoming a symbol of integration. The 1950s witnessed increasing racial tension, but players like Robinson, Larry Doby, and Willie Mays became beacons of hope. Beyond the diamond, athletes engaged in social activism, advocating for equality and justice. The 1960s saw a surge in civil rights activism, and baseball players played an active role. The courage of these pioneers in the face of adversity contributed to the broader struggle for racial equality, making the diamond a battleground for societal change during a tumultuous period in American history. In my curriculum unit, my students will undergo the process of deconstructing Race and Baseball on three different fronts: understanding background historical information, daily life, and statistical/financial impact. The goal of this is to gain a full understanding of what happened race and baseball, the significance of the Negro League and what they had to endure.

2023 Vol 2: Race, History, Change, and Social Activism: Baseball's Impact on America

Hidden Baseball: The Legacy of the Negro League

Shannon McFarland, 6th Grade English Language Arts, Alexander Graham Middle School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

Click on the arrow to read the Synopsis.

Synopsis: Students explore the legacy of the Negro League in America, the impact of segregation on American life in the 1920s and 1930s, and write poetry to celebrate the accomplishments of early Black and Latin American baseball players.

2023 Vol 2: Race, History, Change, and Social Activism: Baseball's Impact on America

The Kansas City Monarchs Impact on Baseball and America While at the Helm of Global Social Change

Lusette Humphrey, 7th Grade, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

Click on the arrow to read the Synopsis.

Synopsis: This unit is a focus on the importance of “the power of influence” one has for social change and impact in their respective sports and communities. The power to use influence for social change is big. This is seen across many sports arenas where athletes use their platform to bring social change that is needed in some or all parts of the world. There are several athletes such as Colin Kapernick, Lebron James, Naomi Osaika can be seen using their level of influence to bring change to their respective causes. In the past we have athletes like Jacki Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and Rube Foster as lead change agents of their time.

2023 Vol 2: Race, History, Change, and Social Activism: Baseball's Impact on America

America’s Favorite Pastime: Analyzing the Cultural and Political Impact of the Negro National League

Jazmyne Capel, 3rd Grade, Billingsville-Cotswold Elementary School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

Click on the arrow to read the Synopsis.

Synopsis: In this unit students will explore and critically think about how race, access (or lack thereof) to resources, and legislation have impacted society through the lens of baseball. While examining these historical events, students will learn that the impacts of said events can be both positive and negative, and that there is more than one perspective on most stories. To drive student inquiry, the essential question this unit is based around is “How does the past influence the present?” Utilizing past and modern literature on the subject, historical artifacts, and local and national events, students will expand their critical thinking and enhance their knowledge of various topics. Topics including but not limited to, national and local baseball history, how African American players and players of color have influenced policy and politics, how Baseball is played globally, and women’s influence in the sport. Generally, this unit guides students on an exploration about historical events that have impacted our community, state, nation, and even the world. This unit aligns with the North Carolina Social Studies standards of explaining the lasting impact historical events have had on local communities. Another aligned North Carolina Social Studies standard is the use of primary and secondary sources to compare multiple interpretations of various historical symbols and events in local communities. Students will use their student notebook to take notes and complete daily exit tickets that will serve as knowledge checkpoints.

2023 Vol 2: Race, History, Change, and Social Activism: Baseball's Impact on America

Stand Tall, Talk Small, Play Ball!

Genitia Johnson, 1st Grade, Huntingtowne Farms Elementary School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

Click on the arrow to read the Synopsis.

Synopsis: In this unit students will learn the history of baseball and the impact in America. The students will learn about the Negro League and the impact of Black History. The unit will allow students to learn history concepts while learning literacy. Students will use read aloud stories, songs, and gestures to learn skills. They will have a better opportunity to use their problem-solving skills and make connections. They will also learn to use nonfiction text features. The lessons will also include movement, music, gestures, and hands-on experiences.