Baseball and Race in Post-bellum Pennsylvania  In the years
after the Civil War many people, like Octavius Catto, worked
tirelessly to break down racial barriers and ensure that blacks
received the social and political rights they deserved. In many
places, including Philadelphia, baseball provided a platform
through which to do this. Through their talent, intelligence,
diligence, and drive both on and off the field, men like
Octavius Catto and the players in Pythian's Base Ball Club
worked to build strong ties as well as local and national
support systems for the black community of Philadelphia.   19th
century African American Recreation and Sport  Big Ideas
Pennsylvania History Perspective on Events  Essential Questions
How has social disagreement and collaboration been beneficial to
Pennsylvania society?     • Conflict and cooperation among
social groups, organizations, and nation-states are critical to
comprehending society in Pennsylvania. Domestic instability,
ethnic and racial relations, labor relatio