Procedures

• STEP 1: Introduction

  Distribute the document below so students may use it to take notes while viewing the videos in this lesson and engaging in class discussion.

  Handout: Baseball in America, Origins and Early Days (Google Doc)

  As a class, view the following video clips to provide background information on the game of baseball. Use the accompanying questions to guide class discussion.

  Video Clip 1: Origins and Early Days of Baseball (2:51)

  Library of Congress exhibit curator Susan Reyburn discusses artifacts that represent the origin and early days of the game of baseball dating back to medieval times.

  1. Describe the origin of baseball through the artifacts that are presented.

  Video Clip 2: Baseball's Founding Documents (2:10)

  Susan Reyburn talks about the significance of the founding documents of baseball.

  1. Why does Susan Reyburn refer to the documents she highlights as the Magna Carta of Baseball?

  2. Describe the fundamental rules of baseball that were established in those documents.

• Step 2:

  Ask students to view the following videos. You can jigsaw this activity among the class and students can share their findings through whole class discussion.

  Video Clip 3: Early Days of Baseball in the United States (2:40)

  Susan Reyburn talks about the first intercollegiate baseball game documented in a newspaper as well as the creation of baseball cards and how the Civil War contributed to the spread of baseball across the country.

  1. Describe the earliest baseball coverage of an intercollegiate game that Susan Reyburn discusses.

  2. Describe the earliest baseball card that is shown.

  3. Explain how the Civil War contributed to the spreading of baseball across the country.

  Video Clip 4: Baseball in the 19th Century (2:48)

  Susan Reyburn talks about the evolution of baseball cards and John Montgomery Ward's contributions to the game.

  1. Describe the early baseball cards and how they were used in marketing products.

  2. Explain John Montgomery Ward's contributions to baseball.

  Video Clip 5: Barnstorming Baseball (1:39)

  Susan Reyburn talks about barnstorming baseball and the Negro Leagues.

  1. What was barnstorming baseball? Explain its connection to the development of Negro league baseball.

  2. Explain the origin of softball.

  Video Clip 6: Women in Baseball (1:40)

  Susan Reyburn talks about women's experiences breaking into baseball as well as Little League Baseball.

  1. Explain the origins of women playing professional baseball and breaking into Little League Baseball.

• Step 3: Culminating Activity

  Ask students to consider their notes from viewing the videos and class discussion and have them complete one of the following activities to share with the class:

  Write a journal entry describing your experiences as a baseball player in the 19th century. In your reflection you may consider including the following ideas:

  1. Why do you want to play baseball?
  2. Which league do you play in?
  3. Describe your team.
  4. Describe your experience during a game.
  5. How did the public perceive your team?
  6. How did participating in the game impact you and your vision for the future?

  As a journalist, write a newspaper article detailing one of the games you attended. You may include:

  1. Which league are you covering?
  2. Who is playing the game?
  3. Where is the game being played?
  4. Describe the crowd - who is attending? What is their reaction?

  Create a Baseball card or Snapchat of yourself as a player! Include details such as:

  • Photo, Team, Personal Stats, Favorite Player, Height, Age, Previous Teams, School