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Tom Zeiler
In this course, we will explore the more recent history of baseball in America, through similar lenses as ones we have already used. Money & labor, culture, shutdowns, and patriotism & nationalism are our main themes for this fourth and final course. We will also look at how contemporary trends such as COVID-19 tie back to a distant history.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/1heqro/baseball
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What's inside
Syllabus
Moneyball
Welcome to the course! In this module we will cover topics surrounding the Reserve Clause, the 1970s, rising salaries, and baseball in the 21st Century.
Read more
Syllabus
Moneyball
Welcome to the course! In this module we will cover topics surrounding the Reserve Clause, the 1970s, rising salaries, and baseball in the 21st Century.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines American contemporary baseball through the lenses of labor, culture, shutdowns, and patriotism
Taught by Tom Zeiller, a recognizable authority on baseball history
Explores current baseball trends and how they align with its distant history
Develops a comprehensive understanding of recent baseball history and its relevance to society
Provides a multi-modal learning experience with modules, videos, readings, and discussions
Requires students to come in with an understanding of baseball history
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Baseball history through societal lenses
According to students, this course offers a largely positive exploration of modern baseball history, viewed through a unique socio-economic and cultural lens. Learners praise the instructor's engaging storytelling and passion, which makes complex historical connections digestible. Many found the modules on 'Moneyball' and 'Baseball at War' particularly insightful, providing fresh perspectives. While some reviews suggest minor concerns with pacing in later modules or a desire for more academic depth, overall, it's considered a well-produced and enriching experience for enthusiasts.
The course's depth might not fully satisfy those seeking rigorous academic study.
"Good overview, but I was hoping for more detailed discussions on certain topics..."
"I was disappointed with the lack of depth; it's too high-level for serious academic insight."
"It felt more like a surface-level documentary series rather than a university-level course."
"Still, it's a decent primer for someone new to the socio-economic history of baseball."
The course has maintained a consistent level of quality and relevance over time.
"Absolutely loved this course! ... I highly recommend it for any baseball fan or history enthusiast."
"Fantastic course! I've been a lifelong baseball fan and still learned so much."
"Critiques on pacing appear across reviews, indicating a consistent structure rather than a decline in quality."
Specific modules are highlighted for their depth and thought-provoking analysis.
"The 'Moneyball' module was particularly insightful, delving into the financial evolution of the game."
"The discussions around the Reserve Clause and rising salaries were very thought-provoking."
"I learned so much about the cultural footprint of baseball through this course."
The course uniquely explores baseball through broader historical and societal themes.
"...found the way they connected seemingly disparate events like the Cold War to baseball fascinating."
"This course offers a unique perspective on baseball, tying it into broader historical and cultural contexts."
"The 'Baseball at War' module provided perspectives I had never considered before."
The instructor's passion and storytelling make the content highly enjoyable and accessible.
"Absolutely loved this course! The instructor's passion for baseball history is infectious..."
"The instructor is a phenomenal storyteller."
"I appreciate how the instructor tied together the cultural and historical impact of baseball."
Some learners felt certain modules were rushed or lacked desired academic depth.
"My only minor critique is that some of the earlier modules felt a bit rushed."
"The pace seemed to pick up towards the end, making it slightly harder to absorb everything."
"I was hoping for more detailed discussions on certain topics; it felt more like a summary."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Baseball into the Millennium with these
activities:
Read 'Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game'
Show steps
The book discusses how the Oakland A's used data and analytics to build a successful team with a limited budget.
View
The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book.
-
Summarize the main arguments of the book.
-
Identify the key principles of sabermetrics.
Read 'The Baseball 100: The Greatest Players of All Time'
Show steps
The book provides a comprehensive look at the 100 greatest players in baseball history.
View
The Baseball 100
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book.
-
Create a list of the 10 players you believe are the greatest.
-
Write a short essay explaining your choices.
Practice analyzing baseball statistics
Show steps
By practicing analyzing baseball statistics, you will develop a deeper understanding of the game and how it is played.
Show steps
-
Find a dataset of baseball statistics.
-
Calculate the batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage for a player.
-
Compare the statistics of two different players.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a timeline of important events in baseball history
Show steps
Creating a timeline of important events in baseball history will help you visualize the evolution of the game.
Show steps
-
Research important events in baseball history.
-
Create a timeline using a tool like Google Timeline.
-
Share your timeline with others.
Discuss the impact of COVID-19 on baseball
Show steps
Discussing the impact of COVID-19 on baseball with peers will help you understand the challenges and opportunities that the game faces.
Browse courses on
COVID-19
Show steps
-
Find a peer group to discuss with.
-
Prepare talking points.
-
Participate in the discussion.
Volunteer at a local baseball game
Show steps
Volunteering at a local baseball game will give you a firsthand look at the game and how it is played.
Browse courses on
Baseball
Show steps
-
Find a local baseball team or league.
-
Contact the team or league and ask about volunteering opportunities.
-
Show up on game day and help out.
Create a presentation on the history of baseball
Show steps
Creating a presentation on the history of baseball will help you learn about the game and its evolution.
Browse courses on
Baseball
Show steps
-
Research the history of baseball.
-
Create a presentation using a tool like PowerPoint or Google Slides.
-
Present your presentation to others.
Contribute to a baseball-related open-source project
Show steps
Contributing to a baseball-related open-source project will give you hands-on experience with baseball data and analytics.
Browse courses on
Baseball
Show steps
-
Find a baseball-related open-source project.
-
Contribute to the project by fixing bugs, adding features, or writing documentation.
-
Submit your contributions to the project.
Read 'Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game'
Show steps
The book discusses how the Oakland A's used data and analytics to build a successful team with a limited budget.
View
The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book.
- Summarize the main arguments of the book.
- Identify the key principles of sabermetrics.
Read 'The Baseball 100: The Greatest Players of All Time'
Show steps
The book provides a comprehensive look at the 100 greatest players in baseball history.
View
The Baseball 100
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book.
- Create a list of the 10 players you believe are the greatest.
- Write a short essay explaining your choices.
Practice analyzing baseball statistics
Show steps
By practicing analyzing baseball statistics, you will develop a deeper understanding of the game and how it is played.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a dataset of baseball statistics.
- Calculate the batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage for a player.
- Compare the statistics of two different players.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a timeline of important events in baseball history
Show steps
Creating a timeline of important events in baseball history will help you visualize the evolution of the game.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research important events in baseball history.
- Create a timeline using a tool like Google Timeline.
- Share your timeline with others.
Discuss the impact of COVID-19 on baseball
Show steps
Discussing the impact of COVID-19 on baseball with peers will help you understand the challenges and opportunities that the game faces.
Browse courses on
COVID-19
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer group to discuss with.
- Prepare talking points.
- Participate in the discussion.
Volunteer at a local baseball game
Show steps
Volunteering at a local baseball game will give you a firsthand look at the game and how it is played.
Browse courses on
Baseball
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local baseball team or league.
- Contact the team or league and ask about volunteering opportunities.
- Show up on game day and help out.
Create a presentation on the history of baseball
Show steps
Creating a presentation on the history of baseball will help you learn about the game and its evolution.
Browse courses on
Baseball
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the history of baseball.
- Create a presentation using a tool like PowerPoint or Google Slides.
- Present your presentation to others.
Contribute to a baseball-related open-source project
Show steps
Contributing to a baseball-related open-source project will give you hands-on experience with baseball data and analytics.
Browse courses on
Baseball
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a baseball-related open-source project.
- Contribute to the project by fixing bugs, adding features, or writing documentation.
- Submit your contributions to the project.
Career center
Learners who complete Baseball into the Millennium will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts create financial models to value companies, predict financial performance, and make investment recommendations. This course will help you develop the analytical skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you how to evaluate financial data, understand financial markets, and make sound investment decisions.
Sports Agent
Sports Agent
Sports Agents represent athletes in contract negotiations, marketing deals, and other business matters. This course will help you understand the business of baseball and the role of agents in the industry. You will also learn how to negotiate contracts, manage finances, and build relationships with clients.
Sports Marketer
Sports Marketer
Sports Marketers develop and implement marketing campaigns for sports teams, athletes, and products. This course will help you understand the principles of marketing and how to apply them to the sports industry. You will also learn how to create and execute marketing plans, manage budgets, and evaluate marketing campaigns.
Sports Journalist
Sports Journalist
Sports Journalists write, edit, and produce news and commentary about sports. This course will help you develop the writing and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you how to gather information, write clear and concise articles, and interview athletes and coaches.
Sports Broadcaster
Sports Broadcaster
Sports Broadcasters call play-by-play for sporting events and provide commentary and analysis. This course will help you develop the communication skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you how to speak clearly and concisely, analyze sports events, and engage with an audience.
Sports Historian
Sports Historian
Sports Historians research and write about the history of sports. This course will help you develop the research and writing skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you how to find and evaluate sources, write clear and concise articles, and present your findings to an audience.
Sports Lawyer
Sports Lawyer
Sports Lawyers represent athletes, teams, and sports organizations in legal matters. This course will help you understand the legal issues that arise in the sports industry and how to resolve them. You will also learn how to negotiate contracts, manage disputes, and protect the interests of your clients.
Sports Manager
Sports Manager
Sports Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of sports teams and organizations. This course will help you understand the business of sports and how to manage a successful organization. You will also learn how to create and implement budgets, manage staff, and make decisions that will benefit your team or organization.
Sports Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Sports Psychologists help athletes improve their mental health and performance. This course will help you understand the psychological factors that affect athletic performance and how to help athletes overcome mental challenges. You will also learn how to develop and implement mental training programs.
Sports Nutritionist
Sports Nutritionist
Sports Nutritionists help athletes optimize their performance by providing them with personalized nutrition plans. This course will help you understand the principles of nutrition and how to apply them to the needs of athletes. You will also learn how to create and implement nutrition plans, monitor athletes' progress, and provide guidance on healthy eating habits.
Sports Physical Therapist
Sports Physical Therapist
Sports Physical Therapists help athletes recover from injuries and improve their physical performance. This course will help you understand the principles of physical therapy and how to apply them to the needs of athletes. You will also learn how to assess injuries, develop treatment plans, and provide rehabilitation exercises.
Sports Coach
Sports Coach
Sports Coaches teach and train athletes in a specific sport. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you how to plan and conduct practices, motivate athletes, and develop winning strategies.
Athletic Director
Athletic Director
Athletic Directors oversee the athletic programs of schools and universities. This course will help you understand the administrative and operational aspects of athletic departments. You will also learn how to manage budgets, hire and fire coaches, and promote the athletic program.
Sports Scout
Sports Scout
Sports Scouts evaluate athletes and provide their teams with recommendations on who to draft or sign. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you how to scout players, analyze game film, and make informed recommendations.
Sports Executive
Sports Executive
Sports Executives manage the business operations of sports teams and organizations. This course will help you understand the financial, marketing, and legal aspects of the sports industry. You will also learn how to develop and implement strategic plans and make decisions that will benefit your team or organization.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1heqro/baseball
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Baseball into the Millennium.
Save
A fascinating account of how the Oakland Athletics used data and analytics to challenge the established norms of baseball and achieve success with a limited budget.
Save
A comprehensive and engaging history of baseball, providing a broad context for the topics covered in the course.
Save
A nostalgic look back at the golden age of baseball in the 1950s, focusing on the Brooklyn Dodgers and their iconic players.
Save
A personal and moving account of the author's experiences as an outfielder in the minor leagues, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of professional baseball.
Save
A powerful and provocative biography of Mickey Mantle, exploring the complexities of his life and legacy.
A fictional account of a young baseball player's journey through the minor leagues, exploring the challenges and sacrifices he faces.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1heqro/baseball
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Effort
1.5 - 2 hours/week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Tom Zeiler
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
American History Through Baseball. It's comprised of four courses:
- Race, Gender, and Culture
- Baseball and Americanism
- Moneyball and Globalization
- Baseball into the Millennium (viewing)
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