Integrating Information - We Are the Ship

In this activity, students will read a news article about the Dominican Republic and their current experience and role in the major leagues. Students then compare the life of minorities in the Negro Leagues to those playing in the Dominican Republic.

In this example, two differences have been identified and are supported with textual evidence.

Player Treatment

Jackie Robinson “received death threats, and someone even threatened to kidnap his little boy. On the field, the fans called him names and threw stuff at him.”

"There are many opportunities for athletes to make it big in the country, thanks in part to the support from American leagues. There are player showcases, many different training academies, and professional leagues."

Love for the Game

“We were fortunate men. We got to play baseball for a living, something we would have done even if we hadn’t gotten paid for it.”

"Kids wearing local teams’ uniforms shouted in Spanish as they scrambled up the walls, trying to get a view of the action. Some people climbed over the walls or perched on the top of the dugouts to watch the game."

Student Instructions

Students will compare the life of minorities from the book to those playing in the Dominican Republic.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Label the column headings "We are the Ship" and "Here, Baseball is Life".
3. Label the row headings "Player Treatment", and "Love for the Game".
4. In the description boxes, write examples of player treatments and love for the game.
5. Add illustrations for each cell, using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
6. Save and Exit