Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

Lesson 3 - Pre-Visit United Nations of Baseball

Objective: Students will be able to: • Understand how the game of baseball has helped shape the culture of many countries, especially in Central and South America. • Practice mapping and library research skills. • Practice foreign language skills. • Understand that baseball is a sport that has multicultural appreciation. Time Required: 2 - 4 class periods Advance Preparation: - Schedule a session for your class in your school library or media center. - Request that the librarian pull source material such as encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, or other geography-related sources such as travel guides. Materials Needed: - Country information sheets/graphic organizers in English or Spanish (included) - Internet access for student research - A map of the world - Library time for student research - Other materials as needed depending on the types of projects chosen by students. Vocabulary: Diversity - The condition of having or being composed of differing elements, especially the inclusion of different types of people in a group or organization

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

Applicable Common Core State Standards: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7, W.11-12.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.9, W.11-12.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1, SL.11-12.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade-appropriate topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

Applicable Common Core State Standards (Continued): CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.5, SL.11-12.5 Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.

Additional Relevant National Learning Standards: (Based on Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning) Foreign Language. Standard 1. Level IV [Grade: 9-12]. Uses the target language to engage in conversations, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions and information Foreign Language. Standard 2. Level IV [Grade: 9-12]. Understands and interprets written and spoken language on diverse topics from diverse media Foreign Language. Standard 3. Level IV [Grade: 9-12]. Presents information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics Foreign Language. Standard 4. Level IV [Grade: 9-12]. Understands traditional ideas and perspectives, institutions, professions, literary and artistic expressions, and other components of the target culture Foreign Language. Standard 5. Level IV [Grade: 9-12]. Understands that different languages use different patterns to communicate and applies this knowledge to the target and native languages Geography. Standard 4. Level IV [Grade: 9-12]. Understands the physical and human characteristics of place

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

Lesson & Activity

1. To begin this lesson, discuss that more than 25% of major leaguers are from Latin America and another 5% are Latinos born in the United States. 2. Baseball’s roots in Latin America can be traced back nearly 150 years. Over that time, the game has become deeply woven into the social and cultural fabric of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and other countries of the Caribbean Basin. 3. Introduce the activity by explaining that students will be doing research to learn more about the geographic and cultural elements that make each of these places unique, and presenting final projects that will demonstrate that information. 4. Divide students into 5 small groups. Assign each group a country from the list below: • Cuba • The Dominican Republic • Puerto Rico • Mexico • Venezuela 5. Provide each group with the appropriate country information sheet/graphic organizer (included). Explain that each sheet contains a brief history of baseball in that country, as well as an outline to help guide students’ research. 6. *Optional* For Spanish classes, depending on your students’ language abilities, you may choose to give students the country information sheets in Spanish (included). You may also have students present their final projects in Spanish. 7. Explain that students may present the results of their research in a variety of ways. They may choose from the following: • Create a PowerPoint presentation (at least 10 slides) exhibiting information about the country. • Create a video about the country. • Write a 7-10 page research paper about the country. • Another project discussed and approved by the teacher.

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

8. Students are free to choose which type of project they would like to complete. Each project must illustrate general information about the country as well as the history of baseball in that country. 9. Provide students with additional research parameters: • Groups must use at least four sources. • A bibliography must be turned in with the final product. 10. Provide all students with a due date for their projects. 11. Point out that each country’s information sheet doubles as a graphic organizer. The categories listed in the grid are meant to help guide students’ research. As a class, brainstorm a list of potential sources that might be helpful in researching the culture and geography of these different countries. Write down students' ideas on the board or on a piece of chart paper. 12. Go to the school library during your scheduled time slot. Have groups use reference materials such as encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, or other geography-related sources such as travel guides. Depending on equipment availability, students may also use the Internet for research purposes. 13. Remind students that, as with any research paper, they are expected to develop a bibliography for this project. The bibliography should be turned in as part of the final project. Conclusion: To conclude this lesson and check for understanding, have each group share their final projects with the class. Optional: The Education Department at the Baseball Hall of Fame loves student work! If you would like to send some of your students' projects to be considered for display in our Learning Center, please contact us via e-mail at [email protected].

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

United Nations of Baseball Cuba Cuba lies at the heart of Caribbean baseball. The game arrived on the island in the 1860s when returning students brought it home from the United States. Baseball spread like wildfire, partly as a symbolic rejection of Spanish colonial rule. Crisscrossing the region, Cubans then shared the game throughout the Caribbean, earning the title, "Apostles of Baseball." At home, Cubans established the Caribbean's first pro league in 1878. Playing in winter, the league featured some of the world's best baseball for over 80 years as major leaguers, Negro leaguers and Caribbean stars played together. In 1961, Fidel Castro replaced the professional Cuban League with an amateur league, the "National Series," which continues today. Forms of Government: President/Dictator/Ruling Political Party Background: History Indigenous Groups Geography: Population Coasts, Mountain Ranges, Deserts, etc. Economy: Major Imports/Exports Agriculture Tourism Monetary System Customs and Traditions: Religions Major National Holidays Typical Foods Baseball: Major Rivalries Current Professional Players Hall of Famers

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

United Nations of Baseball The Dominican Republic When Cuban emigrants brought baseball to the Dominican Republic in the 1880s, locals immediately caught "baseball fever." Numerous sugar mill and semi-professional teams sprang up, as did passionate support for the clubs. Baseball became so linked with Dominican identity that the legendary Ciudad Trujillo club of 1937 symbolized dictator Rafael Trujillo's political power. Dominican baseball proved it was larger than politics when it blossomed after Trujillo's assassination and the embargo of Communist Cuba in the 1960s. With a vibrant winter league and a talent pool as deep as the country's love of the game, this small country has sent nearly 550 players to the majors. Forms of Government: President/Dictator/Ruling Political Party Background: History Indigenous Groups Geography: Population Coasts, Mountain Ranges, Deserts, etc. Economy: Major Imports/Exports Agriculture Tourism Monetary System Customs and Traditions: Religions Major National Holidays Typical Foods Baseball: Major Rivalries Current Professional Players Hall of Famers

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

United Nations of Baseball Mexico Mexico has Latin America's most complex baseball history. Cuba and the U.S. separately introduced the sport to different parts of the country during the 19th century, obscuring the game's origins there. Moreover, despite baseball's head start, soccer rules much of Mexico, to the delight of the country's fútbol fans. If its history is complicated, Mexico's passion for baseball has never wavered. In the 1920s, it fueled the creation of the Mexican League, a historic circuit that has lasted longer than any other in the Caribbean. Today, that enthusiasm also supports the wintertime Mexican Pacific League, giving fans access to top-flight baseball year-round. Forms of Government: President/Dictator/Ruling Political Party Background: History Indigenous Groups Geography: Population Coasts, Mountains, Deserts, etc. Economy: Major Imports/Exports Agriculture Tourism Monetary System Customs and Traditions: Religions Major National Holidays Typical Foods Baseball: Major Rivalries Current Professional Players Hall of Famers

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

United Nations of Baseball Puerto Rico Brought to Puerto Rico by Cubans around 1897, baseball got a boost when the U.S. military arrived a year later. In 1938, local businessmen capitalized on the game's popularity by starting the Puerto Rico Baseball League. The league eventually replaced Cuba as the Caribbean's leading circuit and springboard to the majors. Here, Roberto Clemente and Orlando Cepeda got their start and returned winter after winter, while major leaguers like Willie Mays, Mike Schmidt and Cal Ripken Jr. came south for seasoning. Today, the immortal Clemente remains an icon for Puerto Ricans. Forms of Government: President/Dictator/Ruling Political Party Background: History Indigenous Groups Geography: Population Coasts, Mountain Ranges, Deserts, etc. Economy: Major Imports/Exports Agriculture Tourism Monetary System Customs and Traditions: Religions Major National Holidays Typical Foods Baseball: Major Rivalries Current Professional Players Hall of Famers

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

United Nations of Baseball Venezuela In 1895, several Venezuelans, having fallen in love with baseball while traveling in the U.S., joined with Cuban businessman Emilio Cramer to form the country's first team. However, it was not until the national team's upset victory over powerful Cuba in the 1941 World Amateur Baseball tournament that the game's popularity skyrocketed. The win marked Venezuela's "coming of age" and spurred the creation of the country's winter league. Of particular pride to Venezuelans is the country's long line of major league shortstops, including such greats as Luis Aparicio, Alfonso "Chico" Carrasquel, David Concepción and Omar Vizquel. Following only the U.S. and the Dominican Republic in active major leaguers, Venezuela's influence extends far beyond the shortstop position today. Forms of Government: President/Dictator/Ruling Political Party Background: History Indigenous Groups Geography: Population Coasts, Mountain Ranges, Deserts, etc. Economy: Major Imports/Exports Agriculture Tourism Monetary System Customs and Traditions: Religions Major National Holidays Typical Foods Baseball: Major Rivalries Current Professional Players Hall of Famers

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

Naciones Unidas del Béisbol República de Cuba Cuba está situada en el corazón del béisbol caribeño. Este juego arribó a la isla en la década de 1860 cuando lo trajeron los estudiantes que regresaban de los Estados Unidos. El béisbol se expandió como la pólvora, en parte como un rechazo simbólico al régimen colonial español. Cruzando de un lado a otro la región, los cubanos compartieron el juego en todo el Caribe, y se ganaron el título de "Apóstoles del béisbol". En su país, los cubanos establecieron en 1878 la primera liga profesional caribeña. Jugando en el invierno, la liga ofreció parte del mejor béisbol del mundo durante más de 80 años en que los jugadores de las Grandes Ligas, de las Ligas Negras y las estrellas caribeñas actuaban juntos. En 1961, Fidel Castro reemplazó la liga profesional cubana con una liga aficionada, la "Serie Nacional", que continúa hasta hoy. Forma del Gobierno: Presidente/Dictador/Partido Político La Historia: Grupos Indígenas Exploradores Lenguas La Geografía: Población Costas, Montañas, Desiertos La Economía: Importaciones/Exportaciones La Agricultura El Tourismo Sistema Monetario Aduanas y Tradiciones: Religiones Las Festividades Nacionales Alimentos Típicos Béisbol: Rivalidades Jugadores en las Grandes Ligas Jugadores en el Salón de la Fama

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

Naciones Unidas del Béisbol República Dominicana Cuando los emigrados cubanos llevaron el béisbol a la República Dominicana en la década de 1880, los dominicanos se contagiaron con la "fiebre del béisbol". Surgieron numerosos equipos de los ingenios azucareros y semi-profesionales, así como también el apoyo entusiasta a los clubes. El béisbol resultó tan ligado a la identidad dominicana que el legendario club Ciudad Trujillo de 1937 simbolizó el poder político del dictador Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina. El béisbol dominicano demostró ser más grande que la política cuando después del asesinato de Trujillo y el embargo a la Cuba comunista en la década de 1960. Con una animada Liga de Invierno y una reserva de talentos tan profunda como el amor del país por el juego, esta media isla ha enviado a casi 550 jugadores a las Grandes Ligas. Forma del Gobierno: Presidente/Dictador/Partido Político La Historia: Grupos Indígenas Exploradores Lenguas La Geografía: Población Costas, Montañas, Desiertos La Economía: Importaciones/Exportaciones La Agricultura El Tourismo Sistema Monetario Aduanas y Tradiciones: Religiones Las Festividades Nacionales Alimentos Típicos Béisbol: Rivalidades Jugadores en las Grandes Ligas Jugadores en el Salón de la Fama

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

Naciones Unidas del Béisbol México México tiene la historia del béisbol más compleja de Latinoamérica. Cuba y los Estados Unidos presentaron por separado el deporte en diversas partes del país durante el siglo XIX, lo que hace menos claros sus orígenes allí. Además, y a pesar de que béisbol arrancó primero, el fútbol tiene más prestigio en México para deleite de los entusiastas del deporte. Aunque su historia es complicada, la pasión mexicana por el béisbol nunca desfalleció. En la década de 1920, alimentó la creación de la Liga Mexicana, un circuito histórico que ha durado más que cualquier otro del Caribe. En la actualidad, ese entusiasmo también brinda apoyo a la Liga Mexicana del Pacífico (invierno), lo que otorga acceso a los entusiastas al béisbol de alto vuelo todo el año. Forma del Gobierno: Presidente/Dictador/Partido Político La Historia: Grupos Indígenas Exploradores Lenguas La Geografía: Población Costas, Montañas, Desiertos La Economía: Importaciones/Exportaciones La Agricultura El Tourismo Sistema Monetario Aduanas y Tradiciones: Religiones Las Festividades Nacionales Alimentos Típicos Béisbol: Rivalidades Jugadores en las Grandes Ligas Jugadores en el Salón de la Fama

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

Naciones Unidas del Béisbol Puerto Rico Llevado a Puerto Rico por los cubanos alrededor de 1897, el béisbol recibió un impulso un año después cuando arribaron las fuerzas armadas de los EE. UU. En 1938, empresarios locales capitalizaron la popularidad del juego fundando la Liga de Béisbol de Puerto Rico. La liga reemplazó finalmente a Cuba como principal circuito caribeño y fue el trampolín hacia las Grandes Ligas. Allí debutaron Roberto Clemente y Orlando Cepeda, que regresaron invierno tras invierno, cuando los jugadores de las Grandes Ligas como Willie Mays, Mike Schmidt y Cal Ripken Jr. iban a la Isla del Encanto para pulirse. En la actualidad, el inmortal Clemente continúa siendo un icono para los puertorriqueños. Forma del Gobierno: Presidente/Dictador/Partido Político La Historia: Grupos Indígenas Exploradores Lenguas La Geografía: Población Costas, Montañas, Desiertos La Economía: Importaciones/Exportaciones La Agricultura El Tourismo Sistema Monetario Aduanas y Tradiciones: Religiones Las Festividades Nacionales Alimentos Típicos Béisbol: Rivalidades Jugadores en las Grandes Ligas Jugadores en el Salón de la Fama

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Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout - Level 3

Naciones Unidas del Béisbol Venezuela En 1895, varios venezolanos que se enamoraron del béisbol mientras viajaban por los EE. UU., se unieron al empresario cubano Emilio Cramer para formar el primer equipo del país. Sin embargo, no fue sino hasta la rotunda victoria de la selección nacional sobre el poderoso noveno de Cuba en el Torneo Mundial de Béisbol Aficionado de 1941 que la popularidad del juego se fue por las nubes. La victoria marcó la "llegada a la madurez" de Venezuela y aceleró la creación de la liga de invierno de ese país. De particular orgullo para los venezolanos es la larga serie de paradores en corto de las Grandes Ligas oriundos del país, entre ellos peloteros talentosos como Luis Aparicio, Alfonso "Chico" Carrasquel, David Concepción y Omar Vizquel. Sólo después de los EE. UU. y la República Dominicana, que tiene más jugadores activos en las Ligas Mayores, es que se extiende actualmente la influencia de Venezuela mucho más allá de la posición de parador en corto. Forma del Gobierno: Presidente/Dictador/Partido Político La Historia: Grupos Indígenas Exploradores Lenguas La Geografía: Población Costas, Montañas, Desiertos La Economía: Importaciones/Exportaciones La Agricultura El Tourismo Sistema Monetario Aduanas y Tradiciones: Religiones, Las Festividades Nacionales, Alimentos Típicos Béisbol: Rivalidades Jugadores en las Grandes Ligas Jugadores en el Salón de la Fama

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