With World I looming on the horizon, the major leagues went forward with their full schedule for 1917. Only a handful of players had been drafted into the military and fewer enlisted. Those who continued to play took part in token military “drills” to show their support for the boys overseas. It also was a way for ballplayers to avoid being seen as “slackers” – the common term at the time applied to those trying to avoid military service.

Whitey Ford learns to shoot a rifle during military training

By 1918, the war caused the major leagues to shorten the regular season from 154 games to 140 games, ending on Labor Day. This was by the direction of Provost Marshall General Crowder. He originally decreed that by July 1, all draft-eligible men employed in “non-essential” occupations must apply for work directly related to the war—or face being called into military service. Despite pleas for leniency from baseball’s owners, Secretary of War Newton D. Baker agreed. A ballplayer’s career was deemed to be “non-essential,” and the order was given: “Enlist to help stateside, or risk going to the front lines of Europe.”

Jackie Robinson during WWII