Babe Ruth, a Red Sox title and WWI -- the last time there was a total solar eclipse across U.S.

Today, Aug. 21, there will be a total eclipse of the sun (accompanied by a live performance of "Total Eclipse of the Heart"). The last time a solar eclipse happened -- and parts of the contiguous United States could see it -- was in 1979. But this current one, unlike the one in the '70s, is the first that can be seen coast-to-coast in the U.S. -- the first time that's been possible since 1918. So, what was happening in baseball 99 years ago? Glad you asked.
1918 was a fascinating season in MLB -- as it took place during World War I. Nearly 100 Major Leaguers were already serving and, in order to get more players to sign up, the 1918 campaign was shortened from 154 games to 140. And then, in July, Secretary of War Newton D. Baker declared that ballplayers were "non-essential" workers and needed to join in the effort much sooner. Both leagues agreed to play until Labor Day and leave two weeks for the World Series right after.