GEOGRAPHY
BASEBALL COAST TO COAST
HOUSTON ASTROS IN PARTNER WITH THE NBHOF
GEOGRAPHY
BASEBALL COAST TO COAST
LEVEL 2: INTERMEDIATE
THEMATIC UNIT OVERVIEW:
The major leagues “must be extended from coast to coast, from north to south.”
- Ford Frick, Commissioner of Baseball 1951 - 1965
Since the days of players traveling by train to get from stadium to stadium, geography
has always played an important role in professional baseball. Where are baseball teams
established and why? How do people and the physical environment influence the game?
In this unit, students will explore these questions and more through map work, research,
and creative activities. They will work both independently and collaboratively to learn
about geographical concepts such as location, population, and culture.
THEMATIC UNIT OBJECTIVES: Students will:
Analyze maps to determine aspects of location and place.
Examine team travel patterns to determine how changes in transportation affected
professional baseball.
Understand the concept of culture and be able to identify aspects of cultural geography.
Appreciate and understand the role of geography in professional baseball.
GEOGRAPHY
Baseball Coast
To Coast
Level 2 - Page 1 of 2
GEOGRAPHY
BASEBALL COAST TO COAST
HOUSTON ASTROS IN PARTNER WITH THE NBHOF
LEVEL 2:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LESSON 1 (PRE-VISIT): SAFE AT HOME: LOCATION AND BASEBALL
Description: Students will review the concepts of latitude, longitude, weather, and
climate.
Activity: Students will create maps of Major League Baseball cities to identify latitude,
longitude, and variances in climate across the country.
LESSON 2 (PRE-VISIT): ROAD TRIP! BASEBALL ON THE MOVE
Description: Students will explore how changes in transportation technology
throughout the twentieth century affected professional baseball teams.
Activity: Students will compare and map road trips taken by a professional baseball
team during three different decades.
LESSON 3 (PRE-VISIT): HEY GETCHA…SUSHI? THE CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY OF BASEBALL
Description: Students will explore the differences between baseball teams and
stadiums in various regions to understand the concept of culture and how it influences
the teams.
Activity: In small groups, students will research and present the cultural influences
evidenced through professional baseball teams and stadiums.
LESSON 4: ON-SITE VISIT - OR - VIDEOCONFERENCE
Description: Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas
introduced in the classroom.
Activity: On-site lesson or videoconference
LESSON 5 (POST-VISIT): CALLED UP TO THE MAJORS: YOUR TEAM!
Description: Students will work collaboratively on a creative project to demonstrate
their understanding of physical and cultural geography as it relates to baseball.
Activity: In small groups, students will create a hypothetical baseball team and
construct a poster to demonstrate the geographical aspects their team incorporates.
GEOGRAPHY
Baseball Coast
To Coast
Level 2 - Page 2 of 2