Provost Marshal Enoch Crowder issues a “work-or-fight” order, originally setting July 1 as the deadline for players to enter needed war workforce or face induction into military service. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, who ignores Woodrow Wilson’s letter stating that the President saw “no necessity” for curtailing major-league play, does permit the major leaguers to continue to play through Labor Day, allowing the completion of the shortened season and the World Series with the teams’ rosters staying intact.

On May 23, 1918 — Provost Marshal Enoch Crowder issues a “work-or-fight” order, originally setting July 1 as the deadline for players to enter needed war workforce or face induction into military service. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, who ignores Woodrow Wilson’s letter stating that the President saw “no necessity” for curtailing major-league play, does permit the major leaguers to continue to play through Labor Day, allowing the completion of the shortened season and the World Series with the teams’ rosters staying intact.

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