The “Star-Spangled Banner” Transcends Babe Ruth, the World Series, and Our National Pain

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The “Star-Spangled Banner” Transcends Babe Ruth, the World Series, and Our National Pain

“Certainly the outpouring of sentiment, enthusiasm, and patriotism at the 1918 World Series went a long way to making the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ the national anthem.”

—Official Historian of Major League Baseball John Thorn

Baseball and Patriotism

Baseball is steeped in patriotism. Every fall, Major League Baseball (MLB) hosts the World Series—a best-of-seven showdown between the champions of its two leagues: the National League (founded in 1876) and the American League (established in 1901). These league names themselves are nods to national pride, reflecting the country’s esteem for the sport often dubbed “America’s Pastime.” .” [Photo: The Singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” at a Modern MLB Game… Public Domain]

But if we look closer, we find an even deeper, mutually supportive relationship between baseball and Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner.” Together, the anthem and the game have long stood as emblems of American identity and resilience. Three key facts highlight their unique bond:

1. Baseball emerged in the mid-1840s, just as the “Star-Spangled Banner” was becoming strongly associated with American patriotism.

2. Both the anthem and MLB became pillars of strength and unity during some of the most trying moments in U.S. history.

3. Beginning with the 1918 World Series, the national anthem began to be performed regularly before games. By World War II, it was customary for MLB fans to stand, salute the flag, and sing the anthem before every game.
   
   

This deep connection was cemented at a single World Series game in 1918—a moment that linked baseball and the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the heart of American life. That event unfolded in one of the nation’s most storied and beleaguered cities: Chicago. [Photo: Members of the U.S. Military Spread a Giant American Flag Across an MLB Diamond]

A Reeling Nation, a City in Crisis

In 1918, American forces led the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in World War I, a campaign that ultimately broke through German defenses and helped bring the war to a close. But as of September 5, that victory was still two months away, and no one could be certain the war would end in the Allies’ favor.

The country was weary. More than 100,000 American soldiers had already died since the U.S. declared war on the Central Powers in 1917. The infamous German trench systems remained largely unbroken. Americans were filled with grief, frustration, and anxiety.

Amid this uncertainty, the World Series returned. The previous year, the U.S. government had labeled MLB a “non-essential occupation,” forcing many players into military service and canceling the 1917 Fall Classic. But by the start of the 1918 season, leaders recognized the value of baseball. The sport’s excitement—its home runs, fast pitches, and breathtaking defensive plays—offered Americans comfort and distraction during difficult times. [Photo: Babe Ruth Knocks a Home Run in a 1918 MLB Game… Public Domain]

A Slow Start and a Historic Moment

Game 1 between the Red Sox and Cubs began as a classic pitchers' duel. The Red Sox’s Babe Ruth—then both a slugger and a pitcher—took the mound just over a year before he was sold to the Yankees. The Cubs loaded the bases in the first inning, but a flyout to left field ended the threat.

In the third inning, Ruth came to bat. Expecting a powerful hit, the Cubs’ right fielder backed up nearly 20 yards. Ruth struck the ball cleanly, but strong winds turned what might have been a home run into a routine out to center. Boston’s only run came in the fourth inning, when Stuffy McInnis blooped a two-out single to score Dave Shean.

The Cubs nearly answered in the sixth, putting runners on second and third with two outs. Ruth stayed in the game and retired Charlie Deal on a flyout to end the inning. The Red Sox didn’t threaten in the seventh, and the low-scoring game had begun to lull the crowd. [Photo: Babe Ruth Hurls a Pitch… Public Domain]

The “Star-Spangled Banner” Electrifies the Crowd

As the seventh-inning stretch began, a Navy Training School Band stationed near Comiskey Park began playing the “Star-Spangled Banner.” It was the first time the song had been performed during a World Series game.

The effect was immediate and powerful. Spectators, coaches, players, and umpires stood at attention. Hats came off. Right arms raised in salute to the American flag. Then, as the anthem swelled, voices from the stands and field joined in.

What began as a spontaneous tribute turned into a full-throated, emotional chorus—nearly 20,000 Americans singing in unison, their eyes locked on the flag fluttering above the ballpark. In that moment, baseball and the anthem became forever linked. [Photo: Fans Salute the American Flag as They Sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at Comiskey Park]

This spontaneous gesture of unity would not be a one-time event. The anthem was played before the next three World Series games at Boston’s Fenway Park. The 1918 rendition had struck a deep chord in the American psyche. [Photo: The Red Sox and Cubs Battle Out the 1918 World Series at Fenway Park… Public Domain]

The Legacy of That Day

The emotional force of that impromptu anthem performance stayed with Americans long after the game ended. Though it would take years for the “Star-Spangled Banner” to be formally declared the national anthem—and even longer for it to be sung before every professional sports event—the spark had been lit.

From that September day forward, the anthem became a fixture in baseball and, eventually, across all sports. Today, whether it’s before a first pitch, a tipoff, or a kickoff, the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” honors a legacy born not only of war and hardship—but also of unity, resilience, and the enduring American spirit. 

Further Reading:

Associated Press. (2017). “1918 World Series started the U.S. Love affair with national anthem.

Brown, Garry. (2011). “Chicago Cubs return to Fenway Park for first time since 1918.”

Register Citizen.

Landers, Chris. (2017). “Why do we sing the National Anthem before sporting events?”

Cut 4.

Huber, Mike. (2025). “September 5, 1918: Babe Ruth tosses shutout in Game 1 as patriotism prevails in World Series opener.” Society for American Baseball Research.

The National WWI Museum and Memorial. (2025). “Baseball and the Star Spangled Banner: A Tradition Dating Back to WWI.”