In early August, MLB clubs decided that the regular season would end at that time. Baker granted an extension to MLB players through Labor Day, September 2. With World War I ongoing, a 'work or fight' mandate was issued by the government, requiring men with non-essential jobs to enlist or take war-related jobs by July 1, else risk being drafted. This would be the last World Series championship for the Red Sox until 2004. The team then faced the National League (NL) champion Chicago Cubs in the 1918 World Series, which the Red Sox won in six games to capture the franchise's fifth World Series. The Red Sox finished first in the American League (AL) with a record of 75 wins and 51 losses, in a season cut short due to World War I. The 1918 Boston Red Sox season was the 18th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history.

1918 Boston Red Sox team photo, with Babe Ruth fourth from left in the back row