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

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, moral and social forces collided 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, was already undergoing rapid changes.

From its inception, baseball, whether professional or amateur, w...