Sunday Baseball Games in New Jersey
In Plainfield, New Jersey, on a recent Sunday, a large crowd assembled to witness a baseball game. Certain of the clergy had determined that no more Sunday baseball should be played in that place, and those in favor of the game had also determined that they would defy the decision of the clergymen. The crowd assembled and the game was called, and a clergyman with a deputy sheriff appeared. The clergyman went to the umpire of the game, and told him that the deputy had warrants for the arrest of each and every one who would presume to commence playing. A wrangle ensued, and as this was delaying the game, the crowd of spectators became impatient, started after the minister and the sheriff, and drove them off the field. The sheriff soon stepped to one side, and the crowd passed him by, but they followed the minister clear to his house. Nearly exhausted, he got inside and barricaded his door, and thus escaped falling into the hands of the angry and indignant people. The deputy went back to the players that had remained on the field, and persuaded them that since nearly all their crowd had gone in pursuit of the preacher, it would be best for them not to attempt to play. The ministers and people who were supporting the idea of stopping the playing of baseball on Sunday would doubtless affirm that the players as well as the spectators were sinners in need of salvation. They would tell you that if these people were what they should be they would not be either playing ball on Sunday or watching those who were playing.