"There should be some broader cause - such as lack of ability, behavior or intelligence - for barring a player, rather than his color."
Civil Rights: Before You Could Say "Jackie Robinson"
In baseball — as in America — freedom is an ongoing quest. For almost 65 years, African-American players were prevented from playing in the established major leagues simply because of their skin color. In this unit, students will explore American history from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. They will work both independently and collaboratively to learn how race relations in baseball reflected significant social and cultural developments in the United States.
Thematic Unit Objective
Gain an introduction to the concept of racial segregation and understand its impact on baseball and American society. Discuss the origins of the Negro leagues and identify famous Negro leagues players. Analyze the importance of Jackie Robinson to baseball and to Civil Rights. Learn about how the integration of baseball was a precursor of the modern Civil Rights Movement.
Weldy W. Walker, 19th century player and Black baseball pioneer
Rookie (Grades 3-5)
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit): 19th Century Baseball
Students will be introduced to the concept of racial segregation and learn how it affected African Americans in baseball. Download Full Lesson Plan
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit): The Negro Leagues
Students will explore the history of the Negro leagues from the 1920s through the late 1940s. They will discover that Negro leagues players endured difficult conditions in order to play the game they loved. Download Full Lesson Plan
Lesson 3: On-Site Visit or Virtual Field Trip
Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom. Book your On-Site Field Trip or Virtual Field Trip
Lesson 4 (Post-Visit): Jackie Robinson and Integration
Students will review and reflect on the importance of Jackie Robinson's integration of Major League Baseball in 1947. Download Full Lesson Plan
Intermediate (Grades 6-8)
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit): 19th Century Baseball
Students will review legal and social barriers that affected African Americans in baseball as well as in society. Download Full Lesson Plan
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit): The Negro Leagues
Students will explore the history of the Negro leagues from the 1920s through the late 1940s. Download Full Lesson Plan
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit): Jackie Robinson and Integration
Students examine the role of Jackie Robinson in the integration of Major League Baseball in 1947. Download Full Lesson Plan
Lesson 4: On-Site Visit or Virtual Field Trip
Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom. Book your On-site Field Trip or Virtual Field Trip
Lesson 5: (Post-Visit): Baseball After Jackie
Students will review and reflect on the importance of Jackie Robinson's role in the integration of baseball. Download Full Lesson Plan
Advanced (Grades 9-12)
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit): 19th Century Baseball
Students will review legal and social barriers that affected African Americans in baseball as well as in society during the post-Civil War era. Download Full Lesson Plan
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit): The Negro Leagues
Students will explore the history of the Negro leagues from the 1920s through the late 1940s. Download Full Lesson Plan
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit): Jackie Robinson and Integration
Students will examine the role of Jackie Robinson in the integration of Major League Baseball. Download Full Lesson Plan
Lesson 4: On-Site Visit or Virtual Field Trip
Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom. Book your On-Site Field Trip or Virtual Field Trip
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit): Baseball After Jackie: Ongoing Issues of Equality
Students will review and reflect on their learning experience with the Baseball Hall of Fame as they consider the legacy of Jackie Robinson and ongoing issues of race in Major League Baseball. Download Full Lesson Plan
Common Core Standards
CCSS ELA CONTENT: RL.3.1/4.1/5.1, RL.3.3/4.3/5.3, RL.3.4/4.4/5.4, SL.3.1/4.1/5.1, SL.3.2/4.2/5.2
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