Tag Archives: Negro Leagues

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

It’s Up, and It’s All Good: A Comprehensive Review of the Civil Rights Movement through the Lens of the Forgotten Players of Negro League Baseball

Mary McElhaney, Social Studies, Northridge Middle School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

Click on the arrow to read the Synopsis.

Synopsis: The contribution of African American individuals who played a part in helping in the fight to end segregation and the civil rights movement is often understated. While students learn about Jackie Robinson, many hidden figures in the Civil Rights movement existed. Baseball is a perfect example of the hidden figures of the civil rights movement. Each individual in the unit plan has significantly contributed to the moment, rebelling and resisting oppression in their own ways.

The rationale for the unit plan is to create lessons with a circular focus. The unit will demonstrate how baseball themes can intertwine with Social Studies and US History standards. The Unit will incorporate African American baseball lessons into critical historical eras. This unit will function yearly and can be used with existing curricula. The central focus of this unit will be on six individuals: Oscar Charleston, Satchel Page, Moses Fleetwood Walker, John Bud Fowler, Andrew Rube Foster, and Jackie Robinson.