Bat, Ball, and Bible: Baseball and Sunday Observance in New York

Bat, Ball & Bible chronicles the collision of moral and social forces in the argument over upholding New York State’s blue laws, meant to restrict social activities and maintain Sunday’s traditional standing as a day of religious observation. Baseball was at the center of this conflict, which led to upheaval in society at a time when New York, especially New York City, already was undergoing rapid changes. From its inception, baseball, whether professional or amateur, was woven into the fab...