1918 – Washington C Eddie Ainsmith applies for deferment from the draft. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker rules that baseball is not an essential occupation and all players of draft age are subject to the “work-in-essential-industries-or-fight” rule. The ruling sends many players to work in shipyards and other defense industries, where they can play part-time or semipro. Ban Johnson says the American League will close down July 21st, but the next day both leagues vote to continue. A week later, Baker exempts players from the rule until September 1st. Both leagues vote to cut the season short, and end it on Labor Day, September 2nd, with the World Series set to start immediately afterwards.

On July 19, 1918 — 1918 – Washington C Eddie Ainsmith applies for deferment from the draft. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker rules that baseball is not an essential occupation and all players of draft age are subject to the “work-in-essential-industries-or-fight” rule. The ruling sends many players to work in shipyards and other defense industries, where they can play part-time or semipro. Ban Johnson says the American League will close down July 21st, but the next day both leagues vote to continue. A week later, Baker exempts players from the rule until September 1st. Both leagues vote to cut the season short, and end it on Labor Day, September 2nd, with the World Series set to start immediately afterwards.

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Sources:
Baseball Reference July 19
National Pastime July 19
Retro Sheet
Hall of Fame
SABR Games Project
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