The players approve a split-season format necessitated by the seven-week strike. The Yankees, A’s, Phillies and Dodgers are declared the first-half champions and will be automatically qualified for the 1981 Postseason.

On August 6, 1981 — The players approve a split-season format necessitated by the seven-week strike. The Yankees, A’s, Phillies and Dodgers are declared the first-half champions and will be automatically qualified for the 1981 Postseason.

Source:
Baseball Reference August 6
National Pastime
Retro Sheet
Hall of Fame
SABR Games Project
Replay The Game