Pass Ed's Living Textbook
Free Lesson Plans for Teachers
Alpha Stage








The Detroit Tigers are contending for their first American League title since 1984.
They have beaten the Oakland A’s in two straight games (make that three straight
games) to take a two (three) games to none lead in the playoff series. But, the
Detroit Free Press is reporting that Tiger relief pitching star Joel Zumaya has
inflammation in his right wrist and forearm.
The article states:

Zumaya was not available in Game 2. The Tigers won, anyway, as their other relief
pitchers – Fernando Rodney, in particular – threw the crucial innings usually
reserved for Zumaya. Yet, even as the victory gave Detroit a two-games-to-none
series lead, there were questions Thursday about how Zumaya's absence would
affect the team's chance to win the AL pennant, and ultimately contend for a world
title.

An entire city is worried about one man’s sore wrist.


Discussion Starters

  • Tell your students to imagine that Joel Zumaya’s doctors told him he had
    a choice. He could play baseball this post season but doing so would
    end his career. However, if he did not continue to play in the post
    season he could play again for the rest of his career. Ask your students if
    they think that Zumaya should pitch or not. Encourage them to explain
    their opinions.

  • Help your child understand that Joel Zumaya relies on his wrist and
    forearm to do his job. Tell students that many people who rely on a
    certain part of their body to do their work insure that part of their body.
    For example, Joel Zumaya might insure his throwing arm. Explain what it
    means to insure something. Ask students to pick one thing that they
    would like to insure. It doesn’t have to be a body part it could also be a
    belonging.

  • It’s interesting to stop and consider the ways in which sports bring
    money to a community. When people go to a ball game they must buy
    the tickets. They often buy food and souvenirs. In groups ask students to
    make lists of the various businesses in a community that benefit from
    professional sports. You might invite them to blog these lists.

  • Sports evolve over time. For example, when basketball was first
    invented people shot the ball into a box and the ball had to be taken out
    of the box. Obviously now the ball just goes through the net. Ask your
    students to consider how a specific sport might change in the future. Ask
    them why they think the sport might change in this way. If possible, you
    might allow students to play this sport according to the new rules.

  • Ask your students if they think that major league baseball is important in
    the United States. Ask why it’s important. In groups ask students to
    create documentaries in which they explain why professional sports
    might be important in the United States. You might ask students to
    vodcast or podcast these documentaries.
A Pitcher's Wrist
October 13, 2006
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