Work or Fight, WW I and Baseball-- Part 2

However, just a month into the 1918 season, Provost Marshall General Enoch Crowder, director of the military draft, decreed that by July 1, all draft-eligible men employed in "non-essential" occupations must apply for work directly related to the war -- or gamble being called into military service.

Secretary of War Newton D. Baker agreed with Mr. Crowder.  baseball players were in a non-essential job.  Get involved in a war-related job stateside or risk being called into military service.

But, MLB got sort of a reprieve and "Work or Fight" deadline was delayed for two months, until September 1.  Owners had to lobby furiously to get that date waived for World Series participants and it was.

However, that still left two weeks where as many as 15 players per team  were drafted or enlisted.

Players who remained made an impact on the league championships, won by the Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs.

--Cooter