EXTRA INNINGS A Life Lesson from Silk O’Loughlin, WWI, and the Spanish Flu In 1918 the United States was embroiled in World War One. Millions of men either volunteered or were conscripted into military service. Women took over jobs in retooled factories to build planes, tanks, vehicles, ships, and guns. Teens lied about their age to get into the military or factories. Children collected blankets and gloves to send to the troops. Everything that could be diverted to the war effort, including some food supplies, was sacrificed. Major League was a welcome boost for morale, but during the season the Selective Service Department ruled that all males between the ages of 18 and 31 would be under a “fight or work (for the war effort)” edict. As a result, baseball officials opted to end the season on Sept. 2nd, a month early; the would follow that. In late August, just before the war-shortened season was completed, the deadly Spanish Flu hit our east coast cities, killing thousands of people. Because of military troop movement throughout the world, it spread like wildfire. More US soldiers were killed by the virus than by combat. Before it was over, the Spanish flu had killed over 50,000,000 people worldwide, including 675,000 Americans. Before large gatherings were shut down, the beat the Cubs in six games to win the World Series, with a 23-year-old over-powering Red Sox pitcher winning two of the games while pitching with the flu. His name was George Ruth, but they called him Babe. Many players contracted the flu, but fewer than a dozen died from it. The most prominent baseball figure to die was a popular by the name of Frank O’Loughlin. Nicknamed “Silk” as a 5-year-old because of his long blond curls, he was one of the most notable umpires in the 17 seasons from 1902 to 1918. With his flamboyant style he became the first umpire to yell out balls and strikes, delighting the crowd with a loud drawn-out “S-T-R-R-I-I-I-I-K-E”, thrusting his right arm into the air. Until Silk livened it up, umpires simply informed the catcher, batter, and pitcher of the call. A knowledgeable and impartial umpire, Silk was well-respected throughout the league. His self-confidence, though, sometimes bordered on arrogance. He once said there was no such thing as a close call, and that he always got it right. He was a perfectionist behind the plate who, according to Hall of Fame umpire Billy Evans, “called every game like it was his last”. Silk did not know that he did call his last game that season before falling victim to the Spanish flu at the too-early age of 42. Silk O’Loughlin, the Spanish flu, and Covid-19 serve as reminders to appreciate the things we enjoy now, including life itself, and not take them for granted. In the past, our food supply and its delivery chain, our health care system, our disaster preparedness, even our tomorrows, were things we took for granted, but now we have a renewed appreciation of them. Gratitude is good medicine in these times of uncertainty. As we express our thanks to those who are on the front lines of this war and to those behind the scenes who support them, we are also reminded to pause and give thanks to our Creator who gives us life and sustains us.

Pete Aman 4/28/20