Most teams shut down due to World War I and the flu pandemic; those that continue play are forced to delay the start of play until the middle of October or later
Dayton Triangles defeat
Detroit Heralds, both of whom continue full operations despite war and flu, to establish themselves as the strongest team in the US
Buffalo Niagaras sign
Tommy Hughitt for play in a citywide league, establishing a trend of expansion of top-level professional competition outside Ohio
No world titles change hands in 1918 but
Jack Dempsey, with a series of knockouts including one against
Battling Levinsky, is now the main challenger to
Jess Willard.
There is no
first-class cricket in England, Australia, South Africa or the West Indies due to
World War I. A number of first-class matches are arranged in New Zealand but are not part of any official competition.