Explaining Reasons/Evidence
1920s Baseball
by Alecia Strohl
In the 1920’s, the popularity of baseball grew rapidly, as changes in American society, technology, and civil rights affected nearly every citizen. While the origins of modern baseball can be traced back to the mid-1800s, its popularity skyrocketed in the 1920s. Media outlets, like newspapers and radio, became more popular, giving people access to more information more quickly than before. Because radios were being produced much cheaper than in previous decades, families across the nation had them in their homes, allowing them to gather around to hear the play-by-play action of baseball games. Newspapers were also growing in popularity, and sports sections were introduced, pushing baseball further into the American limelight.
Another component of baseball that made it so popular in the 1920s was America’s fascination with the home run. Babe Ruth, born George Herman Ruth, Jr., perfected this skill, drawing more attention to the sport than ever before. Babe Ruth began his baseball career in 1914 with the Boston Red Sox, playing with them until 1920, when he was sold to the New York Yankees. By the time he retired in 1934, he had hit 714 home runs; a record few players have been able to reach to this day.
Fans adored Babe Ruth, as he worked hard and became successful despite his poor childhood. He had a friendly and relaxed personality, which made him even more popular with his fans. Increasing his popularity even further, Ruth willingly and regularly gave interviews, appeared in advertisements, and acted in movies. His unprecedented ability to slam home runs out of the park drew more and more spectators into stands across the nation, increasing game attendance from the 1910s by about 50% and making it the most popular sport in America. Even today, the 1920’s is credited as one of the most exciting decades of baseball, and Babe Ruth is still remembered as one of the best baseball players of all time, continuing to hold batting records yet to be broken.
Question 1
Even today, the 1920s is credited as one of the most exciting decades of baseball.
Which of these details is a supporting reason of this main idea?
Responses
A The origin of modern baseball can be traced back to the mid-1800s.The origin of modern baseball can be traced back to the mid-1800s.
B In the 1920s radios were produced more cheaply than in previous decades.
B-In the 1920s radios were produced more cheaply than in previous decades.
In the 1920s, the popularity of baseball grew rapidly, as changes in American society, technology, and civil rights affected nearly every citizen.
Which of these details is a supporting reason of this main idea?
Responses
A Americans began buying televisions and they could watch games at home.Americans began buying televisions and they could watch games at home.
B Americans became fascinated with the home run, popularized by Babe Ruth.Americans became fascinated with the home run, popularized by Babe Ruth.
C Baseball players become model citizens by helping out in their communities. Baseball players become model citizens by helping out in their communities.
D Baseball venues began giving away free tickets to fill the stands at games.