War Crowd in Downing Square

Baseball in London

In 1918, 30 expatriate American businessmen in London founded the Anglo-American Baseball League. Its four Canadian and four American military teams played in and around London, often in British football (soccer) stadiums. The U.S. Army and Navy military commanders in England, General John Biddle and Admiral William Sims, energetically supported the new league, which played on Saturdays and holidays, with proceeds donated to British war charities.

The league’s spokesman and chief umpire was Walter Arlington “Arlie” Latham, colorful former major league ballplayer and coach. Red-white-and-blue posters promoted the league’s games from lampposts and walls all across the crowded metropolis.