Sunday Baseball by C. E. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 18, 1910

Sunday Baseball

By C. E. H.

THOSE who are advocating a prohibition by law of all sports on the first day of the week are having difficulties. In many instances, judges and juries fail to see the harm which it is claimed results from Sunday amusements. While some judicial decisions declare the injustice and unconstitutionality of Sunday laws, others touch upon the question of the harmfulness of the pleasures indulged in on that day. The Washington Post of August 4 reports a trial in which the jury held that Sunday baseball is no crime:—

At Frankfort, in Herkimer County, N. Y., a jury after listening to a mass of evidence and extended arguments, decided that Sunday baseball is not a violation of law. During a game at Utica Park, on Sunday, July 17, between the Binghamton and Utica clubs, of the New York State League, several players were arrested on a charge of violating the Sunday law. . . . After being out about half an hour, the jury brought in a verdict of no cause for action, and the players were discharged. The finding of the jury is expected to have an important effect in determining the future of Sunday baseball in the New York State League.

Practically every Protestant denomination confesses that there is no Scriptural sanction for making Sunday a holy day. Can the people be blamed for failing to respect a day religiously which has no divine appointment? When it is thus admitted that the first day of the week is a man-made rest day, it is not strange that many should accept that confession, and enjoy themselves as they see fit. C. E. H.