1918 New York Yankees

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1918 New York Yankees season: A brief summary

The 1918 New York Yankees season, marking the franchise’s 15th year, was a period of both challenges and notable performances, albeit overshadowed by the larger events of World War I which significantly impacted Major League Baseball that year. The team, managed by Miller Huggins, completed the season with a somewhat middling record of 60-63. This resulted in them finishing 13.5 games behind the American League champions, the Boston Red Sox, a team that was notably formidable during this era.

One of the key challenges for the Yankees, as with many other teams, was the loss of players to military service. This not only affected the team’s performance but also the overall morale and the dynamic of the squad. Despite these difficulties, the Yankees displayed moments of resilience and competitiveness.

The management under Miller Huggins was a crucial factor. Huggins, known for his strategic acumen, had to navigate through the player shortages and the general uncertainties of the time. His leadership, while not reflecting dramatically in the win-loss column for this particular season, was setting the foundations for future successes of the franchise.

Playing their home games at the historic Polo Grounds, the Yankees had the advantage of a strong fan base and iconic venue. However, the shadow of the war and the resulting shortened season (the regular season ended on September 2nd due to the war) meant that both attendance and player performances were not at their usual levels.

In summary, the 1918 New York Yankees season was a testament to the era’s challenges. While not a standout year in terms of achievements, it was a significant period in the franchise’s history, laying down the groundwork for future success and showcasing the resilience of the team and the sport during a globally turbulent time.

Baseball in the shadow of war: The 1918 New York Yankees and the impact of World War I

The 1918 Major League Baseball season, profoundly impacted by World War I, presented unique and significant challenges, particularly evident in the experience of the New York Yankees. The global conflict led to widespread enlistments and drafts of players, significantly depleting team rosters and introducing a level of uncertainty and change previously unseen in the sport. The Yankees, like other teams, faced the challenge of constantly adjusting their rosters and strategies due to the shifting availability of players. Additionally, the national mood influenced by the war brought a complex dynamic to baseball. It served as both a necessary distraction and a subject of scrutiny, as some viewed it as an inappropriate focus during a time of crisis. This ambivalence affected fan attendance, public interest, and the overall atmosphere of the games.

Financial strains were another consequence of the war, with teams experiencing lower attendance and general economic challenges, thereby affecting everything from player salaries to operational costs. The most direct impact of the war, however, was the shortened baseball season. The U.S. government’s “Work or Fight” order, which required able-bodied men to contribute to the war effort or engage in essential domestic work, necessitated the early conclusion of the baseball season. Consequently, the regular season ended abruptly on September 2, 1918, a significant deviation from the typical schedule. This led to fewer games, altered pennant races, and a general sense of an incomplete season for teams like the Yankees. The World Series itself was affected, taking place in early September between the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, making it one of the most unique championships in the sport’s history. The 1918 season, therefore, stands as a poignant reminder of how baseball, and sports in general, can be deeply influenced by global events, reflecting the societal challenges and changes of the era.

Postseason result

(Did not qualify – Eliminated in Regular Season)

1918 New York Yankees roster

1918 New York Yankees player additions, transactions, and trades

January 1918:

• January 22: Traded Nick Cullop, Joe Gedeon, Fritz Maisel, Les Nunamaker, Urban Shocker, and $15,000 to the St. Louis Browns. Received Eddie Plank and Del Pratt.

March 1918:

• March 8: Purchased George Burns from the Detroit Tigers. Traded George Burns to the Philadelphia Athletics. Received Ping Bodie.
• March 18: As part of a 3-team trade, traded Tim Hendryx to the St. Louis Browns. Received a player to be named later from the Cincinnati Reds. The St. Louis Browns sent Lee Magee to the Cincinnati Reds. The Cincinnati Reds sent Tommy Clarke (April 25, 1918) to the New York Yankees to complete the trade.

May 1918:

• May 24: Purchased Joseph Finneran from St Paul (American Association).

June 1918:

• June 19: Purchased Ham Hyatt from the Boston Braves.
• June 20: Purchased Hank Robinson from Little Rock (Southern Association).

July 1918:

• July 19: Traded players to be named later to Vernon (PCL). Received Jack Quinn. The New York Yankees sent Joseph Finneran (February 1919), Sammy Ross (minors) (February 1919), and Zinn Beck (February 1919) to Vernon (PCL) to complete the trade.
• July 26: Purchased Jack Fournier from Los Angeles (Pacific Coast).

September 1918:

• September 21: Drafted Lefty O’Doul from Salt Lake City (PCL) in the 1918 rule 5 draft.

1918 New York Yankees player debuts

• Walter Bernhardt – 07-16-1918 – 25 years old
• Alex Ferguson – 08-16-1918 – 21 years old
• Truck Hannah – 04-15-1918 – 28 years old
• Roy Sanders – 08-06-1918 – 24 years old

1918 New York Yankees team stats (batting)

1918 New York Yankees team stats (pitching)

1918 New York Yankees record vs. opponents/ Team splits

1918 New York Yankees monthly Record

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