The 1933 Baseball Decision
Overview of the 1933 Ban
In a surprising turn of events, on February 6, 1933, baseball owners collectively decided to ban Sunday doubleheaders until after June 15. This significant decision aimed to preserve the integrity of the game and adhere to the social norms of the time.
Impact on Fans and Players
This ban affected not only baseball fans but also the players and financial aspects of the teams. Fans often looked forward to exciting doubleheaders on their day off, making Sundays a popular choice for family attendance. Players felt the pinch as well, as they relied on revenue generated from these extra games.
Underlying Reasons for the Ban
Religion and Social Norms
The decision reflected the prevailing attitudes about sports and religion in America during the 1930s. Sundays were typically reserved for rest and worship, and many in the community viewed Sunday baseball games as a violation of these principles.
Maintaining Local Revenue
Team owners believed that by restricting doubleheaders before mid-June, they could actually maintain a better distribution of attendance figures across the baseball season, ensuring steady local revenue rather than peaks created by back-to-back games.
Fun Fact
Sunday Baseball Attendance
Despite the restrictions, Sunday games remained immensely popular in certain cities, with fans often flocking to parks for a single game to enjoy America’s pastime.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on Baseball History
To further explore the evolution of baseball in America, consider the following books: “The Baseball Book”, “The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract”, and “Baseball: A History of America's Game”.
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