If you have good sportsmanship, if you have good character, if you’re just a good person, it goes a long way.
Character Education: The Iron Horse
Character means treating fellow athletes as you’d like to be treated. That means showing respect for yourself, your teammates, your opponents, the coaches on both sides, and the umpires and referees. It also means having the courage to stand up for what’s right and speak out against what’s wrong. The Baseball Hall of Fame honors players not only for their accomplishments in the game, but also for the character and courage that they display both on and off the field. In this thematic unit, attributes such as perseverance, courage, humility, respect, leadership, sportsmanship, loyalty and citizenship are highlighted by the lives and careers of Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Cal Ripken, Jr., and Lou Gehrig.
Thematic Unit Objective
Become familiar with a variety of character traits as demonstrated by various Hall of Famers.
Be encouraged to think before they act, set goals, and make good decisions.
Develop their critical thinking and decision making skills.
Gain a better understanding of the needs of their community, and experience a class-initiated community service project.
Hall of Famer Andre Dawson
Rookie
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit): Self-Control - Jackie Robinson
Students discover how Jackie Robinson demonstrated courage and self-control when he became the first African American to play in the modern major leagues. They will also identify ways they can handle situations where self-control is difficult.
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit): Service - Roberto Clemente
Students learn about Roberto Clemente, who remains an inspirational figure for his loyalty, generosity, and service.
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit): Perseverance - Cal Ripken, Jr.
Students will read an autobiographical story by Cal Ripken, Jr. and understand the importance of perseverance and goal setting.
Lesson 4: On-Site Visit or Video conference
Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom.
Book your field trip or video conference
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit): Terrific Traits
Students will review many of the character traits discussed during this unit.
Intermediate
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit): Courage - Jackie Robinson
Students compare and contrast the portrayal of Jackie Robinson in a non-fiction book and in a documentary film.
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit): Service - Roberto Clemente
Students are introduced to Roberto Clemente, who remains an inspirational figure for his generosity, and service. Students research modern winners of the Roberto Clemente Award.
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit): Integrity
Students will discuss integrity and identify role models for this important character trait.
Lesson 4: On-Site Visit or Video conference
Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom.
Book your field trip or video conference
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit): Teaching Traits to Others
Students will review many of the character traits covered during this unit.
Common Core Standards
Related Stories
Zack Wheat is elected to the Hall of Fame
With his playing years decades behind him, Zack Wheat was thrust into the limelight again when he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1959.
Jim Bunning Throws His First No-Hitter
On July 20, 1958 the lanky 26 year old from Southgate, Ky., etched his named into the record books with what would be his first of two career no-hitters.
Mays hits his 512th career HR to break Ott’s NL record
In 1966, Willie Mays broke fellow Hall of Famer Mel Ott's 20-year old record.
A Number of Changes
Records totals once thought to be absolute are often revised thanks to new research
BL-175.2003, Folder 2, Corr01b
01.01.2023
Jack White's Hall of Fame Tour
01.01.2023
