In the first major league game ever played on Sunday in New York, the Reds beat the Giants at the Polo Grounds, 5-0. After the contest, managers John McGraw and Christy Mathewson are arrested for violating the blue laws which prohibit playing the national pastime on the Sabbath.

This Day In Baseball

On August 19, 1917 — In the first major league game ever played on Sunday in New York, the Reds beat the Giants at the Polo Grounds, 5-0. After the contest, managers John McGraw and Christy Mathewson are arrested for violating the blue laws which prohibit playing the national pastime on the Sabbath.

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Sources:
Baseball Reference August 19
National Pastime August 19
Retro Sheet
Hall of Fame
SABR Games Project
Replay The Game