BASEBALL'S TIGER TERROR Timeliners by Melissa Blanton ECED 4400  A 5th Grade Unit on Ty Cobb and the History of Baseball in America

 
 
 
 
 

Table of Contents

Introduction to Unit

Links to Lessons

Children's Books

Timeliner Rescources

Unit Outcomes

Pre/Post Test
 
 
 

Introduction

  This unit is about Detroit Tiger star Ty Cobb and his influence on baseball in the 20th century.  We will be travelling in time to see how baseball became such a popular sport in America, and how it affected American culture around the turn of the century.

     Ty Cobb is one of the most legendary baseball players of all time.  He lived most of his life in Augusta, Georgia which has earned him the title "The Georgia Peach". Ty played in the American League for the Detroit Tigers during the early part of the 20th century.  In 1936, he was the first baseball player to ever be inducted into The Baseball Hall of Fame.  His outrageous personality and tactics helped to make baseball America's favorite pastime!

     Ty Cobb's personality was fierce.  He has been known to sharpen his spurs on his shoes to intimidate players on the opposite team. He has even slugged spectators for shouting remarks about his Southern heritage.  Ty Cobb will always be remembered for the highest overall batting average ever!  He loved the game of baseball and  was a very dedicated player.  Ty Cobb may not have been a role model for good character, however most would agree that he was one of the most fascinating players to ever step foot on a baseball field.

     In this unit we will take a look at the history of baseball, and how it gave new life to the new century.  The 1800's brought about hard times for Americans.  They needed a fun pastime to enjoy. In the early 1900's through the Depression Era the sport of baseball really flourished.   The game of baseball helped shape American culture into what it is today.
 
 

Links to Unit Lessons

Lesson I	America's Favorite Pasttime
Lesson II	Extra, Extra Read All About Him
Lesson III	Georgia Roots: The Home of Ty Cobb
Lesson IV	What in the World is Going On? The 1930's
Lesson V	You Be the Star!
Home Page	Personal Webpage with Links to Educational Resources

 
 

Children's Books
Books can be found atwww.amazon.com

Casey at the Bat by Earnest Lawrence Thayer and Cristopher Bing.  This book is for ages 9 and up.
 

Baseball Illustrated by Geoffrey C. Ward.
This book is for 4th/5th grade and up.

Baseball's Greatest Hitters by Sydelle A. Kramer.
This book is for ages 9 and up.

 MLB: Home Run Heroes by Buckley James Jr.  This book is for ages 8 and up.

The Sandlot Game by Dick Wimmer. This book is for 4th/5th grade and up.
 
 

Teacher Rescources

Ty Cobb Home Page
A&E Biography
The Baseball Hall of Fame
Today in Baseball History
History of the Allstar Game
Ty Cobb Planet
Smithsonian
Baseball Origins
1930's Culture
Discovery School For Kids
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pictures by American Memory Library of Congress
 
 

   lmblanton@ureach.com