1918 in sports: World War I and Spanish flu

In 1918, major league baseball and college football played out their seasons amid a deadly outbreak of the Spanish flu and World War I. The formation of military base football teams created bonds and connections that may have played a role in laying the foundation for George Halas’ football team that eventually became the Bears.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE 1918 ABOVE: Cubs President Charles Weeghman, left, and manager Fred Mitchell pose together during the pennant-winning 1918 season. The Cubs went on to lose the World Series to the Red Sox in six games.