Women's History: Dirt On Their Skirts

Unit Overview

"Baseball has given me joy, though I had to really fight to get it. I'd like to see the next generation of girls get the joy - without the fight." - Ballplayer Julie Croteau, 2006

"Take me out to the ballgame," sang Katie Casey in the famous baseball anthem. Katie was not alone. Women and girls have always loved and played the game and have worked hard to fulfill their baseball dreams. In this unit, students will analyze milestones and events in the history of women and girls in baseball to determine how their achievements led to greater opportunities for all.

About The Curriculum

All of the lessons and activities that you will find below have been prepared to accompany Women's History: "Dirt on Their Skirts." 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) Baseball Is a Girl Thing
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) Meet the All-American Girls
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit) The All-American Girls Hit the Road
Lesson 4 On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit) Honoring Women Who Played

Level 2 - Intermediate
Intermediate Level Overview & Table of Contents
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit) In the Front Office: Female Executives
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) On the Field: The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit) In the Press Box: Female Reporters
Lesson 4 On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit) Honoring Women Who Played

Level 3 - Advanced
Advanced Level Overview & Table of Contents
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit) In the Front Office: Female Executives
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) On the Field: The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit) In the Press Box: Female Reporters
Lesson 4 On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit) Women Breaking Barriers: Title IX 

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 Women's History.

Recommended Reading for Women's History 

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.