June 22, 1948: New York, NY:
Rollie's expression was one of sheer disgust as he glanced over at Sam Bigsby. Agreeing to hold the press conference in New York had been a glaring mistake. While it was indeed the media capital of the country, it was also Bigsby's home turf. Rollie, as the president of the Federal Basketball League, felt that he should have had the upper hand.
"We should have held this thing in Detroit," Rollie muttered to Blaine Adkison, owner of the Chicago Panthers, one of the FBL's most successful franchises.
Adkison smirked and retorted, "Well, the Bigsbys have always loved a circus."
The jab at the Bigsbys' ownership of Bigsby Gardens, known as the "showplace of the world," which hosted everything from NAHC hockey (courtesy of the Bigsby-owned New York Shamrocks) to basketball's New York Knights (also Bigsby-owned) and even the circus for three weeks every summer, made Rollie crack a strained smile.
Seated at a long table with Adkison and fellow FBL owners Maynard Adams (Philadelphia), Darryl Croy (Baltimore), and Michael Salmon (Cleveland), Rollie noticed the absence of the other FBL owners. The so-called "big four" of the American Basketball Conference were present, including Bigsby himself (New York), Myles Williams of Boston, Bill Wright of Washington, and the man responsible for this gathering: Bernie Millard, the new owner of the Pittsburgh Falcons.
Rollie's mixed feelings were hard to define. He was elated at the coup for the FBL, with four of the five most important ABC franchises defecting to his league. Only the Brooklyn Red Caps, owned by the stubborn Daniel Prescott, were holding out.
Rollie caught the eye of his wife Francie and their daughters, Marty and Allie, seated in the back. Jean Barrell, Rollie's niece, was also there with her boyfriend Gene Lee. They were representing their advertising firm, hired by Rollie to promote the "new look Federal League" for the 1948-49 season.
As the room filled with media, a TV camera was wheeled in, a relatively new addition to the world of journalism. Rollie was still adjusting to the concept of television, which had gained popularity in postwar America.
Ten minutes later, Rollie made sure everyone was ready and took the podium. "Thank you all for coming."
"I'm Roland Barrell, league president of the Federal Basketball League, and I'm here to make a momentous announcement," he began, his grin revealing a touch of mischief. "Or rather, several announcements."
Rollie proceeded to explain the significant changes unfolding within his league. Four ABC clubs—Boston Centurions, New York Knights, Pittsburgh Falcons, and Washington Statesmen—were joining the FBL. The room buzzed with reporters jotting down the breaking news.
"I'd also like to add that Bernard Millard, who owns the Toronto Wolves of the Federally Aligned Baseball Leagues, has purchased the Pittsburgh Falcons," Rollie announced. Millard's stoic demeanor showed no reaction.
Rollie continued, "He has also purchased the Toronto Titans." The unexpected news caused a stir among the reporters.
Rollie raised his hands to restore order. "Yes, this is unusual, but Mr. Millard has a new owner lined up to purchase the Titans, in conjunction with signing a new lease for the club."
A reporter named John Brinker interjected, "A new lease where, Rollie?"
Rollie answered, "Syracuse, New York."
Brinker followed up, "So this means the Falcons...."
Millard spoke up, saying, "The Falcons will be playing at the Dominion Garden in Toronto."
The news sent shockwaves through the room, and questions came from all directions.
Another reporter, a stranger to Rollie, asked, "And what about the ABC?"
Rollie's genuine smile emerged. "To be completely honest, I am not sure what this means for the ABC. You'll need to take that up with Mr. Prescott."
"But surely the ABC can't go on with just four clubs," the reporter pressed.
Rollie replied, "For obvious reasons, I can't speculate on the future of a rival league. But yes, I would assume this will be a difficult adjustment for the remaining ABC clubs."
During the ensuing Q&A, Sam Bigsby was interrupted as Daniel Prescott dramatically entered the room.
Caught off guard, Bigsby and Millard both sat down, while Rollie hurried to the podium to maintain order.
"Dan? What are you doing here?" Rollie asked.
"I'm here to set the record straight and let the media know what this means for the ABC," Prescott declared.
Rollie, now in control, gestured for Prescott to continue.
Prescott, visibly angry, approached the table. "We're expanding."
A reporter, John Brinker, asked, "What does that mean, Mr. Prescott?"
Prescott's grin held a hint of menace. "It means the ABC is adding clubs in Pittsburgh to replace the Falcons, as well as Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and St. Louis."
Rollie frowned, realizing that his fears were becoming reality.
Brinker inquired, "Do you honestly believe there is room for twenty pro basketball clubs?"
Prescott's shark-like grin returned. "No, I don't, Mr. Brinker. But there's room for eight, and when the dust settles, I fully intend for those eight to be the American Basketball Conference's member clubs."
Prescott cast a final glare at Millard, Bigsby, and Rollie, then stormed out of the room, leaving chaos in his wake as reporters shouted questions simultaneously.
Millard leaned over to Rollie and whispered, "I have to hand it to him; Dan Prescott knows how to put on a show."
Rollie concurred with a grunt. Bigsby, seated on his other side, added, "We'll see who's left standing."
Rollie knew the next year or two would be challenging, as the battle for dominance in professional basketball unfolded.
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Daniel Prescott at FBL Press Conference, 1948
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