January 13, 1946: Washington, DC:
The Capital Academy Colts were in the midst of a fierce basketball game against their rival, the Wilson Tigers. The halftime buzzer had just sounded, and the Colts found themselves trailing by ten points. Charlie Barrell, had emerged as the team's best player, but he was having a particularly off night, struggling with his shots.
As Charlie made his way into the locker room, he was the last to arrive. He had stopped to have a word with the referee about the excessive physicality of the Wilson forward who had been guarding him. Frustrated, Charlie voiced his concerns, warning the referee that if the opposing player wasn't cautioned, he might end up decking him. The referee wasn't impressed with this particular line of reasoning and said he'd be keeping an eye on the opponent - and Charlie in the second half.
Finally entering the locker room, Charlie's eyes fell upon a pinup poster of his mother, actress Dorothy Bates, taped to the front of his locker. Laughter and snickers echoed around the room as his teammates jeered. One of them, Eldon Meek, sneered, "Hey Barrell, maybe your mother should be playing instead of you. She can distract the Tigers with some va-va-voom!"
Charlie was touchy about his mother: for one thing she was only 21 years older than he was and still a very attractive woman, particularly to teenaged boys. She was also in Hollywood and Charlie rarely saw, or even spoke with her. He felt she put her career first, and this embittered him. So Meek's taunt caused Charlie's anger to flare, and without thinking, he lunged at Eldon, fists swinging. The coach swiftly intervened, breaking up the altercation, but Charlie had gotten one or two good shots in by then. The coach sternly reprimanded both players and made the decision to bench them for the remainder of the game. Charlie's punishment didn't end there; he was also suspended from the team for a week.
Disappointed and angry at himself, Charlie made his way home after the game. His uncle, Dan Barrell, had been a spectator that evening and had only learned of the fight after the fact. Concerned, Dan sat Charlie down for a serious conversation.
"Charlie, we need to talk," Dan began, his tone firm yet caring. "I understand that you were provoked, but you have to remember that part of being an athlete, especially a talented one like you, is dealing with hecklers and people who are simply jealous of your success."
Charlie listened attentively, his head hung low.
"Your father, Joe, was a hot-head, and it frequently got him into trouble," Dan continued, his voice tinged with sadness. "I hope you can learn from his mistakes. If you want to make it as a professional, you'll need to become more detached, block out all the external distractions, and focus solely on doing your job."
Dan had been a successful athlete, competing in the Olympics, playing college football and professional baseball and Charlie respected his opinion. Charlie looked up, meeting his uncle's gaze. He saw the concern and wisdom in Dan's eyes, and a sense of determination filled his own.
"You're right, Uncle Dan," Charlie said, his voice tinged with determination. "I need to keep my temper in check and rise above the distractions. I won't let it happen again."
Dan nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. "I believe in you, Charlie. You have the talent and the drive to succeed. Just remember to channel your emotions into your game, not into fights with others. Stay focused and give it your all. You have the potential to do great things."
Charlie took a deep breath, a newfound resolve burning within him. He understood the weight of his uncle's words and knew that he needed to grow not only as an athlete but also as a person.
"Thank you, Uncle Dan," Charlie said sincerely. "I won't let you down. I'll work hard to become the best version of myself, on and off the court."
Dan placed a hand on Charlie's shoulder, conveying his support. "I know you will, Charlie. Remember, it's not just about the game; it's about the person you become through it. I'm proud of you, and I believe in your potential. Now, let's focus on the future and make sure it's a bright one."
With a renewed sense of determination, Charlie and Dan spent the following week working together. They practiced relentlessly, honing Charlie's skills and teaching him strategies to block out distractions. They focused not only on his physical abilities but also on developing mental resilience and emotional control. Dan had never been a basketball player and his knees were terrible, but his natural athleticism - and competitiveness - shone through and he did not go easy on his nephew. Dan's wife, Aunt Gladys, had actually been a basketball scout before she married and she sat in on their practices, even making small adjustments to Charlie's footwork and shooting form.
Dan also brought out his own son, 12-year-old Mike Barrell, himself a promising multi-sport athlete to guard Charlie when his own knees were barking too much for him to do it himself.
When Charlie returned to the team after his suspension, he carried himself with a newfound composure. Keeping a cool head was still a work in progress but he did his best not to let taunts or jeers affect him, and to stay focused on the game at hand. Charlie's shooting improved, and he showcased his talent, leading the Colts to a string of victories.
As the season drew to a close, the Colts found themselves in the city championship game against their archrivals, the Wilson Tigers. Charlie's stellar performances had propelled them to this point, and the entire team rallied around him.
With his uncle Dan watching proudly from the stands, Charlie remained calm and focused though the same Wilson forward again employed overly physical tactics in an attempt to throw Charlie off his game. Instead of giving in to his overwhelming urge to fight fire with fire, Charlie focused on his play, showcasing his shooting prowess and leading the Colts to a hard-fought victory. The joy and triumph in Charlie's eyes were evident as he celebrated with his teammates, their spirits soaring high.
After the game, Charlie sought out his uncle and aunt, a broad smile stretching across his face. "We did it, Uncle Dan, Aunt Gladys! We won!" he exclaimed.
First Gladys and then Dan embraced Charlie, pride swelling in Dan's chest as he said, "Yes, we did, Charlie. But this victory goes beyond the game. You've grown so much, both as a player and as a person. I couldn't be prouder of you."
Charlie grinned, realizing that his journey had just begun. He had learned the value of discipline, resilience, and controlling his emotions. With the support of his uncle, teammates, and the lessons he had learned, Charlie was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As if reading his mind, Dan told his nephew, "Remember, baseball season is right around the corner, and you'll need the same mental toughness." Charlie nodded and with a smirk added, "And then football in the fall."
Dan laughed and said, "Well... there you can let your anger come out, a little. Just keep it within the rules!"
As they walked off the court together, the sound of applause and cheers echoing in their ears, Charlie knew that he had not only found success in the game of basketball but also discovered the strength to overcome any obstacles that came his way. The future looked bright, and with his newfound maturity and determination, Charlie Barrell was ready to seize it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dorothy Bates in the World War II pinup poster hung on Charlie's locker by Eldon Meek
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------