Chapter 10: The Gilded Age "Batter Up"

Introduction
Students have learned about the growth of sports and entertainment in American society during the late 1800s. In this lesson, they will more closely examine the evolution of baseball from a club activity to a professional sport.

Lesson Description
Students will read a short report on the Cincinnati Red Stockings of 1869 and then answer questions about how the club helped to revolutionize baseball.

Instructional Objectives
1. Students will be able to analyze text in order to answer questions about it.
2. Students will be able to identify the cause and effect relationship between the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the growth of professional baseball.

Student Web Activity Answers
1. People played it for sport or fun and were not paid.
2. Muffins were third-rate ball players.
3. The club announced it would field an all-salaried, professional team.
4. Their example inspired others to establish professional teams and soon the amateur baseball association disappeared.

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