Geography: Coast to Coast

Unit Overview

The major leagues "must be extended from coast to coast, from north to south." - Ford Frick, Commissioner of Baseball 1951 - 1965

The history of baseball reflects the story of expansion in the United States. New cities have emerged and modern stadiums have been built as a growing population fueled the popularity of our National Pastime. The result is an extensive network of baseball teams at every level - from the major leagues to the little leagues - that represent the communities and environments in which they play. From the colors, names and symbols of the teams - to the foods served at ballparks which reflect the local landscape and culture - a simple game that began with a bat and ball is now a comprehensive case study of how people and geography are interrelated.

About The Curriculum

All of the lessons and activities that you will find below have been prepared to accompany Geography: Baseball Coast to Coast. You will find that the curriculum is organized into three levels: Level 1 for elementary school students, Level 2 for middle school students, and Level 3 for high school students. Feel free to pick and choose lessons from multiple levels if you feel that your students are ready for a challenge or would benefit from a review.

Within each level you will find both pre-visit lessons and post-visit lessons. We strongly encourage you to use these materials before your visit or videoconference. We've found that students understand and learn so much more if they are prepared before their Hall of Fame experience.

Click on the links to view Adobe Acrobat documents, which you can easily print or save for later use.

Level 1 - Rookie
Elementary Level Overview & Table of Contents
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit) Safe at Home: Location and Baseball
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) If You Build It, They Will Come: Population and Baseball
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit) "Hey Getcha...Sushi?" The Cultural Geography of Baseball
Lesson 4 On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit) Called Up to the Majors: Your Team!

Level 2 - Intermediate
Intermediate Level Overview & Table of Contents
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit) Safe at Home: Location and Baseball
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) Road Trip! Baseball on the Move
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit) "Hey Getcha...Sushi?" The Cultural Geography of Baseball
Lesson 4 On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit) Called Up to the Majors: Your Team!

Level 3 - Advanced
Advanced Level Overview & Table of Contents
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit) Safe at Home: The Ballparks of Baseball
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) Road Trip! Baseball on the Move
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit) "Hey Getcha...Sushi?" The Cultural Geography of Baseball
Lesson 4 On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit) The Dodger Debate 

Recommended Reading

On the Recommended Reading list below, you'll find resources that were compiled to aid parents, teachers, and students in learning more about baseball and Geography.

Recommended Reading for Geography 

Let's Hear from You!

Have you used these lessons in your classroom? Tell us about it! We love to hear feedback from teachers. Send us an e-mail at education [at] baseballhall [dot] org.

Participating in a Videoconference?

Click here for a copy of the Geography Videoconference checklist.