Let There Be Baseball

Taken for granted by fans today, Sunday baseball was made possible only after decades of contention between evangelical Sabbatarians seeking enforcement of antiquated "blue laws," and an alliance of "Pro-Sabs" who prevailed against them with strategy and tenacity. At the heart of the struggle was a debate over the First Amendment and the place of religion in public life.

Drawing on case records, this book details the legal and political battles and describes the roles of the judges, law enforcement officers and politicians, and the ordinary citizens who wanted enjoy baseball on Sunday. The contributions of unheralded civil rights pioneers--such as Joe Neet, John Powell and Lewis Perrine--are documented.