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Moneyball and Globalization

This course will explore baseball’s historical connections to money and globalization, two of the most powerful forces in the modern era. Baseball may be a child’s game, but it has been inextricably intertwined with money and profit since its very inception in the late nineteenth century. The Reserve Clause, world tours, collective bargaining, expansion, bringing players from abroad, and realignment have always been driven as much or more by money than anything else.

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What's inside

Syllabus

America Expands Abroad

Welcome to the course! In this module we will cover topics surrounding 19th century professionalization and international baseball.

Silver and Golden Ages

In this module we will cover topics surrounding the Progressive Era, the Silver Age, the Black Sox, and the Great Depression.

Baseball and America Move West

In this module we will cover topics surrounding changing demographics, post-WWII affluence, crimes of the century, and franchise shifts.

The Worker

In this final module we will cover topics surrounding the Reserve Clause, Marvin Miller, the rise of the MLBPA, and outsourcing.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores baseball's evolution and how it's intrinsically linked with money and globalism, providing insights into how the game is shaped by these powerful forces

Course taught by Tom Zeiler, renowned for his expertise in baseball history and the intersection of sports and money

Provides a comprehensive study of the historical and contemporary impact of money and globalization on baseball

Delves into diverse topics, from 19th-century professionalization to the rise of the MLBPA, engaging students with the interplay of baseball and the wider world

Suitable for learners interested in the history of baseball, the intersection of sports and business, or the evolution of money's influence in sports

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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 Moneyball and Globalization with these activities:

Participate in a baseball clinic or workshop to enhance your skills and knowledge

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Join a baseball clinic or workshop conducted by experienced coaches to improve your skills and deepen your understanding of the game's fundamentals.

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Research and identify baseball clinics or workshops in your area.
Register for a clinic or workshop that aligns with your skill level and interests.
Attend the clinic or workshop and actively participate in the drills and exercises.

Attend a local baseball game to observe the game and interact with fans

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Experience the excitement of a live baseball game and connect with fans to gain insights into the game's culture and strategies.

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Purchase tickets to a local baseball game.
Attend the game and observe the strategies and tactics used by the teams.
Interact with other fans to discuss the game and share insights.

Read 'Baseball: The Biographical Encyclopedia' by David Neft and Richard Cohen

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Review a comprehensive encyclopedia to get a better understanding of the history of baseball and its key figures.

View For the Good of the Country: World War II... on Amazon

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Look up famous baseball players.
Review the history of significant events in the MLB
Read about the major and minor baseball leagues.

Five other activities

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Follow online tutorials to learn about the basics of baseball strategy and tactics

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Identify online resources that teach the fundamentals of baseball strategy and follow these tutorials to enhance your knowledge of the game's tactics.

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Search for online tutorials on baseball strategy and tactics.
Select a few tutorials that cover different aspects of the game.
Follow the instructions in the tutorials to learn about baseball strategy and tactics.

Create a timeline of significant events in the history of baseball

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Summarize important events in baseball history for a complete picture of the development of baseball into what it is today.

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Research key dates and events in baseball history.
Organize the events chronologically.
Create a visual representation of the timeline.

Design a poster that highlights the history of baseball in a specific city

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Choose a city with a rich baseball history and design a poster showcasing the city's baseball legacy and key moments.

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Research the history of baseball in the chosen city.
Select key moments and figures to highlight on the poster.
Design the poster using visually appealing elements.

Analyze baseball statistics to identify trends and patterns

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Work through baseball statistics to improve your ability to gather insights and make informed predictions.

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Gather baseball statistics from various sources.
Identify different statistical categories.
Analyze data to find trends and patterns.

Write an essay discussing the impact of globalization on baseball

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Brainstorm about the various ways globalization has affected baseball and structure an essay discussing the most important impact.

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Describe how globalization has influenced the spread of baseball to new countries.
Explain how the movement of players between different countries has impacted the game.
Discuss the role of technology in promoting globalization in baseball.

Career center

Learners who complete Moneyball and Globalization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sports Journalist

This course is a must-take if you would like to succeed as a sports journalist. It can help you build the background and vocabulary necessary for writing about such topics as collective bargaining, which is touched on in the course's final module.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Journalist

Sports Commentator

This course, which traces the history of money and globalization in baseball, may prove useful to you if you are hoping to enter the sports commentary field. It will help you build a foundation in the ways that these forces have shaped the sport, which would help you better comment on and analyze the modern game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Commentator

Sports Agent

This course, which explores historical connections between baseball and globalization, may provide a helpful tool for a sports agent. It can help you understand the historical context of many of the issues that face baseball players, such as entry to the sport from different countries and the impact of money on player contracts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Agent

Sports Executive

As this course covers the ways in which money has influenced baseball, it may prove useful as you work your way into the ranks of sports management. It can help you understand how money has impacted everything from the treatment of players to the decisions to expand or move franchises.

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Public relations

This course can help you enter the field of public relations with a particular focus on sports. It can help you understand the ways that financial motivations and the need to grow globally can impact the public image of professional sports teams.

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Marketing

If you wish to enter the marketing field, this course on the history of money and globalization in baseball can prove useful. It can help you understand the ways that these two forces have influenced the marketing of the sport, which will be vital if you wish to create successful marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing

Investment Banker

This course, which explores globalization and economics in the sphere of international baseball, can prove helpful as you enter the field of investment banking. It will help you form a foundational understanding of the financial dynamics and global markets that connect to professional sports.

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Financial Analyst

As this course explores financial trends and globalization in baseball, it may prove helpful as you enter the field of financial analysis. It can help you build a foundation for understanding the financial trends that drive the professional sports world.

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Economic Analyst

This course can help you build a foundation for this career, as its exploration of financial trends and globalization can help you understand the financial markets of the wider world.

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Research Analyst

This course is an excellent addition to your educational journey should you wish to enter the field of research centered on professional baseball. It will provide you with a solid foundation in the market forces that shape the sport.

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Political Scientist

This course can be helpful as you work towards a career in political science. It can help you build a foundation in the ways that money and globalization shape the political landscape, which will be essential if you hope to analyze and dissect the politics of professional sports.

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Lawyer

If you wish to enter a law career and specialize in the area of sports law, this course can be helpful. It can build a foundation for understanding the legal issues that surround international baseball and the many financial considerations that go into the sport.

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Nonprofit Administrator

While the focus of this course is on the business of baseball and professional sports, its examination of the ways that money and globalization change the sport can provide a helpful background if you go on to a career in a related nonprofit.

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Teacher

This course can be helpful for someone hoping to become a teacher, particularly if they plan to teach history or other social science subjects. It can help you develop the critical thinking skills that are necessary for teaching and for success in the field of education.

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Writer

Though this course is very specific to the sport of baseball, a writer can still find the course material helpful for honing their writing craft. It can help develop your critical thinking skills, which will help you become a better writer.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 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 Moneyball and Globalization.

Baseball in the Garden of Eden

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This textbook provides a comprehensive history of baseball in the United States, from its origins in the 19th century to the present day. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about the history of the game and its impact on American culture.

Moneyball and Globalization

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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