It's hard to believe that Massachusetts was so reflexively provincial that we banned Sunday sporting events a mere 88 years ago. On this date in 1929, Boston Mayor
Malcolm E. Nichols signed an ordinance
allowing play on Sundays—specifically for the Boston Braves and Boston Red Sox. Of course, few things happen in Boston's public sector without
some money changing hands—so the Braves had to fork over $2,500 for the Sunday permit, while the Red Sox bribe was a mere $1,000. In any event, this silly Puritanical religious restriction was purged forever. So break out some champagne—there's a true reason to celebrate today.
