American League president Ban Johnson instructs umpires not to tolerate unnecessary delays. His statement is an outgrowth of a complaint by Charles Comiskey that protests by some managers and players about the condition of the ball in recent games has made it necessary to play two hours or more. The New York Times writes that‚ “Johnson said he would enforce the rule about discoloration of the ball but he has given out no bulletin on the ‘shine ball.'”

On September 1, 1917 — American League president Ban Johnson instructs umpires not to tolerate unnecessary delays. His statement is an outgrowth of a complaint by Charles Comiskey that protests by some managers and players about the condition of the ball in recent games has made it necessary to play two hours or more. The New York Times writes that‚ “Johnson said he would enforce the rule about discoloration of the ball but he has given out no bulletin on the ‘shine ball.'”

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Sources:
Baseball Reference September 1
National Pastime
Retro Sheet
Hall of Fame
SABR Games Project
Replay The Game