[legendsport]

For those who read The Ballad of the Brothers Barrell, this is a continuation of that story, focusing on the later generations and beginning in 1968.

I'll be updating this post with the status of many of the characters from the original story.

⚾ THE FOUNDING GENERATION

Rufus Barrell
Born: June 13, 1873 – Egypt, Effingham County, GA
Died: September 9, 1948 – Egypt, GA (Age 75)
The patriarch of the Barrell family and one of the foundational figures of early professional baseball. A onetime pitcher whose career was cut short by injury, Rufus reinvented himself as a scout and mentor for the Brooklyn Kings, discovering countless players and shaping the early decades of the Federally Aligned Baseball Leagues. Though he achieved fame far from home, Rufus always remained a country boy at heart, eventually returning to Egypt, Georgia, where he lived out his final years in peace.
"He saw promise in others and lived by it."

Alice (Reid) Barrell
Born: October 7, 1872 – Philadelphia, PA
Died: December 6, 1948 – Egypt, GA (Age 76)
The matriarch of the Barrell family and Rufus’s equal in both intellect and resolve. Born to a baseball man herself, Alice balanced education, refinement, and an iron will. Her quick wit and deep compassion shaped ten children who each carried her quiet strength into their own lives. She died just three months after Rufus, her passing marking the true end of the first Barrell generation.

THE SECOND GENERATION
The children of Rufus & Alice Barrell.

Joseph “Joe” Barrell
Born: August 10, 1894 – Brooklyn, NY
Died: February 25, 1934 – Utah (Age 39)
A gifted multi-sport athlete and the family’s first national sports star, Joe rose to fame as both a prizefighter and football player before turning to coaching. As head football coach at Coastal California University, he built a powerhouse program and earned a reputation as a fiery motivator. His life ended tragically when his plane crashed in the Utah mountains during a snowstorm on a scouting trip.
Married twice — first to Edna Farmer and later to Dorothy Bates — Joe left behind a legacy of brilliance, volatility, and daring unmatched even within the remarkable Barrell clan.

Roland “Rollie” Barrell
Born: June 17, 1896 – Brooklyn, NY
Died: August 11, 1963 – Detroit, MI (Age 67)
A pioneer of professional football from within the front office, Rollie’s impact as an executive spanned decades and made him a Hall of Famer as a builder. Alongside his wife Francine “Francie” York, he transformed the Detroit Maroons into one of the premier franchises in the American Football Association. His sudden death from a heart attack in 1963 shocked the league and family alike.
As of 1968: Francine, age 71, continues to serve as Maroons owner and grand matriarch of the Detroit branch of the family.

John “Jack” Barrell
Born: February 20, 1898 – Brooklyn, NY
Age: 69 (as of 1968)
The quiet craftsman of the family, Jack found his calling in hockey, first as a defenseman and later as one of the most respected coaches in the North American Hockey Conference. His measured demeanor and steady principles earned him a spot in the NAHC Hall of Fame.
As of 1968: Jack and his wife Marie Dupuis live in Montreal, where he enjoys a peaceful retirement and occasional advisory work for the league.

James “Jimmy” Barrell
Born: June 6, 1900 – Brooklyn, NY
Died: May 31, 1919 – Indianapolis, IN (Age 18)
Brash, fearless, and utterly captivating, Jimmy lived—and died—a daredevil. After distinguished service as a pilot during the Great War, he turned his appetite for risk toward the racetrack. His fatal crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ended a life that burned too brightly to last. Through his children, Agnes Barrell Pollack and James Slocum, Jimmy’s adventurous spirit endures.

Daniel “Dan” Barrell
Born: September 5, 1904 – Brooklyn, NY
Died: March 22, 1964 – Chicago, IL (Age 59)
A thoughtful and moral man, Dan balanced intellect and discipline, first as a decathlete, then as a ballplayer and later as a respected figure in collegiate athletics. His death from a heart attack—just months after that of his brother Rollie—led to quiet speculation that weak hearts might run in the family. He married Gladys Summers in 1928 and raised two sons: Mike, a decorated Army officer, and Steve, a professional basketball star.
As of 1968: Gladys, age 64, resides in Chicago, proud matron of her sons’ very different paths.

Frederick “Fred” Barrell
Born: September 12, 1905 – Brooklyn, NY
Age: 62 (as of 1968)
The intellectual of the family, Fred’s baseball career led him naturally into the world of strategy and intelligence. After wartime service, he became a key figure in postwar intelligence operations and now serves as a CIA station chief in West Berlin. His wife Tillie Hobart manages family affairs with characteristic poise.
As of 1968: Fred is nearing retirement, still posted in Berlin, while Tillie spends part of each year in the United States.

Thomas “Tom” Barrell
Born: February 14, 1908 – Brooklyn, NY
Age: 59 (as of 1968)
The last of the Barrell children born in Brooklyn, Tom combined natural talent with single-minded competitiveness and professionalism. A Hall of Fame pitcher turned executive, he spent decades in the Kings organization before retiring to Hickory, North Carolina. There he was drawn back into sports through his nephew James Slocum and the North American Racing Federation, lending his organizational mind to motorsport.
As of 1968: Tom and wife Marla Fitzgerald Barrell live in Hickory, where Tom serves as a senior consultant to NARF.

Robert “Bobby” Barrell
Born: July 22, 1910 – Egypt, GA
Age: 57 (as of 1968)
The most charismatic of Rufus’s sons, Bobby was a larger-than-life slugger who became a national icon. A man-child with a godlike swing, he thrilled fans on the field and entertained them later as a broadcaster. Married to Olympic runner Annette O’Boyle, Bobby remains as jovial and unpredictable as ever.
As of 1968: Living in Los Angeles, Bobby anchors NBC’s Game of the Week and proudly cheers on his sons Ralph (LA Stars) and Bobby Jr. (Kansas City Cowboys).

Harold “Harry” Barrell
Born: March 1, 1913 – Egypt, GA
Age: 54 (as of 1968)
A gifted shortstop and brilliant manager, Harry is as tortured as he is talented. His first marriage to Sarah Goodhue ended in scandal, and though later vindicated, the damage to his family and reputation was lasting. Now married to Ruth Barton, Harry manages the Pittsburgh Miners with the same intensity that made him a star player. His inner demons and dependence on alcohol remain his greatest rivals.
As of 1968: Living in Pittsburgh, Harry’s genius keeps him employed—but his temper and vices keep him haunted.

Elizabeth “Betsy” (Barrell) Bowens
Born: February 11, 1914 – Egypt, GA
Age: 53 (as of 1968)
The youngest of Rufus and Alice’s children and their only daughter, Betsy grew up surrounded by athletes and carried that same drive into motherhood. Married to football coach Tom Bowens, she balanced the demands of family and fame with her parents’ trademark pragmatism.
As of 1968: Betsy and Tom live in Los Angeles, enjoying the success of their children while remaining the moral anchors of the family’s West Coast branch.

⚾ THE THIRD GENERATION
The children of Joseph “Joe” Barrell (1894–1934)

Joe Barrell was a man of contradictions: a world-class athlete who disdained what he called “stick sports”—baseball, tennis, and golf—believing only games demanding toughness truly mattered. Football and boxing were his proving grounds, and hockey, with its bruising pace, earned a rare exemption. Ironically, all three of Joe’s sons would go on to play professional baseball, carrying their father’s competitive fire into the very sport he mocked. Each, in his own way, bore both Joe’s brilliance and his stubborn defiance.

Rufus “Deuce” Barrell II
Born: June 3, 1917 – Egypt, GA
Age: 50 (as of 1968)
The firstborn of Joe Barrell, “Deuce” grew up on the family farm in rural Georgia before following his grandfather Rufus’s footsteps to the pitcher’s mound. A durable southpaw with pinpoint control and endless stamina, Deuce became one of the winningest pitchers in FABL history, compiling 359 victories—still third all-time and the most ever by a left-hander. Despite his monumental achievements, he remained something of a lovable space cadet, his innocent self-centeredness and easy smile making him a fan favorite across the league.
As of 1968: Living in Euclid, Ohio, with his wife Deborah “Debbie” Scanlon Barrell, Deuce coaches youth baseball and occasionally calls games on regional radio. Their son, Rufus “Ace” Barrell III, is a rising minor-league pitcher in the Montreal Saints organization, hoping to match his father’s calm under pressure—and perhaps his flair for comic timing.

Gloria Barrell McCullough
Born: June 3, 1917 – Egypt, GA
Age: 50 (as of 1968)
Deuce’s twin sister, Gloria inherited her father’s charisma and her mother’s grace. She married fiery baseball man Charley McCullough, now manager of the Los Angeles Stars, and quickly became one of the most recognizable women in the FABL orbit. Sharp-witted and unflappable, she bridges the gap between family loyalty and public life with poise and humor.
As of 1968: Residing in Los Angeles, Gloria is active in civic causes and occasionally pens sports columns. Her son Billy McCullough, a third baseman in the Seattle Kings organization, is a scrappy, blue-collar player in the mold of his father—a grinder destined to win teammates’ respect even if not headlines.

Roger Cleaves
Born: January 27, 1924 – Hoboken, NJ
Age: 43 (as of 1968)
The product of Joe Barrell’s brief affair with Charlotte Cleaves, daughter of the legendary manager George Theobald, Roger grew up ignorant of his lineage, discovering it as a teenager. Because Joe had died before Roger knew of him, his grandfather Rufus stepped in as a surrogate father, instilling discipline and self-worth in a boy prone to trouble. A rebellious youth gave way to heroism: Roger served with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Pacific War, emerging a decorated veteran and a man forged by hardship.
In baseball, Roger’s tactical mind and steady leadership carried him from the minors, to a solid career as a slugging catcher, to his current post as manager of the Washington Eagles (FABL).
As of 1968: Living in Arlington, Virginia, with his wife Evelyn Wilson Cleaves, Roger has two sons following his path—Dwayne, a promising outfielder, and Richard “Dick” Cleaves, a high school ballplayer with his great-grandfather Rufus’s quiet determination.

Charles “Charlie” Barrell
Born: July 11, 1930 – Los Angeles, CA
Age: 37 (as of 1968)
The youngest of Joe’s children, Charlie was born of Joe’s second marriage to Hollywood actress Dorothy Bates, whom Joe met while portraying Tarzan opposite her Jane in a 1928 adventure film. After Joe’s death, Dorothy remarried Los Angeles Stars owner Thomas X. Bigsby, whose well-meaning but overbearing attempts at fatherhood left Charlie resentful and fiercely independent.
Gifted beyond measure, Charlie remains the only athlete ever to compete professionally in baseball, basketball, and football—a true throwback to his father’s era of ironmen. Injuries eventually pushed him to focus solely on baseball, where he enjoyed a solid career that might have been legendary had he specialized earlier. His swan song came in 1967, when his Chicago Chiefs defeated his former Los Angeles Stars club in the World Championship Series.
As of 1968: Retired as a champion, Charlie lives in Los Angeles with his wife Anna Czerwinska Barrell and their children Joe II, Teresa, and Paul. He now runs a successful sporting-goods distributorship and remains a well-known figure in the Southern California sports scene.

The Third Generation – The Rollie Line
Roland “Rollie” Barrell
Born: June 17, 1896 – Brooklyn, NY
Died: August 11, 1963 – Age 67

Named for his father’s old friend and catcher Roland “Possum” Daniels, Rollie Barrell was the opposite of his namesake in temperament — serious, meticulous, and laser-focused. Though he showed great promise as a golfer in his youth, his dreams of athletic stardom ended abruptly after being beaten by a pair of thugs seeking his brother Joe. The injuries left him with lifelong migraines and vision problems, but Rollie turned his disciplined drive toward business and sports management. He became one of the most successful executives of his era, owning both professional basketball and football clubs. Admired for his steady hand and his gift for working with strong personalities like Detroit sports magnate Eddie Thompson, Rollie earned a reputation as a rare figure beloved in both the boardroom and the locker room.

Francine “Francie” York Barrell
Born: August 22, 1896 – Los Angeles, CA
Alive as of 1968 – Age 72

Stylish, socially adept, and confident, Francine York Barrell balanced her husband’s seriousness with her own charm and wit. The daughter of a Los Angeles businessman and sister to a pro catcher and later manager (Dick York), Francie brought a touch of Hollywood glamor to the Barrell family. Though she could be domineering at times, she was a devoted wife and mother, fiercely protective of her two daughters and her husband’s legacy. After Rollie’s death in 1963, Francie assumed majority ownership of the Detroit Maroons football club, guiding the organization with grace and determination while leaning on her daughters Marty and Allie to carry on the Barrell family’s sporting legacy.

Martha “Marty” Barrell McCarver
Born: 1919 – Detroit, MI
Alive as of 1968 – Age 49

Rollie and Francie’s elder daughter, Marty was a “girly girl” growing up — stylish, self-assured, and closely modeled after her mother. Though she initially seemed distant from her father’s world of sports, life had other plans. Marty married Jack McCarver, a football coach, and became deeply immersed in the game. When Rollie’s health began to decline, it was Marty who stepped forward to help her mother run the Detroit Maroons. After Rollie’s death, she became Francie’s right hand in the organization, proving to be as capable as she was compassionate. Her marriage to Jack, marked by mutual respect and shared passion for football, remains one of the more stable among the Barrell kin.

Alice “Allie” Barrell Bertram
Born: 1923 – Detroit, MI
Alive as of 1968 – Age 45

The younger of Rollie and Francie’s two daughters, Allie was a tomboy who shared her father’s analytical mind and love of competition. Gifted with a head for numbers and an eye for athletic potential, she once dreamed of succeeding Rollie as owner of the Maroons. Rollie initially discouraged her ambitions, but her talent proved undeniable. After working under her father in Detroit, Allie took a job in the San Francisco Sailors’ front office, where she learned the business side of sports from Matilda Johnson — FABL’s only female owner. It was in California that she met and married Victor Bertram, a local businessman. Though she traded sports management for family life, Allie’s influence on Detroit’s front-office culture — and her role in recommending her cousin Freddy Barrell as Maroons president — remains significant.

Jack McCarver
Born: 1918 – Dallas, TX
Alive as of 1968 – Age 50

Jack McCarver, Marty’s husband, is a respected football coach whose dedication to the game mirrors his wife’s to the family legacy. A no-nonsense tactician with a gift for motivating players, Jack has built a reputation as a reliable sideline presence both in the college ranks and the pros. Known for his calm under pressure and steady leadership, he and Marty are viewed as one of the most stable couples in the Barrell family — a rare feat amid generations of passionate personalities.

Victor Bertram
Born: 1928 – San Francisco, CA
Alive as of 1968 – Age 40

Victor Bertram is a successful San Francisco businessman whose life took a turn when he met Allie Barrell while she was working in the Sailors’ front office. Easygoing yet ambitious, Victor was drawn to Allie’s intelligence and spark, and their partnership has proven mutually supportive. While Allie once followed her father’s path into the sports world, Victor’s world of West Coast commerce and culture has given her a new sphere to influence. Together, they represent the blending of the old Barrell traditions of sport and the modern drive of business and innovation.

THE THIRD GENERATION
The family of John “Jack” Barrell (1898– )

John “Jack” Barrell
Born: February 20, 1898 – Brooklyn, NY
Age: 69 (as of 1968)
The third son of Rufus and Alice Barrell, Jack grew up idolizing his older brothers Joe and Rollie, blending Joe’s toughness with Rollie’s intelligence and poise. His path took a decisive turn when his grandfather, Joe Reid, gifted the three eldest Barrell boys a set of hockey gear. Joe and Rollie quickly lost interest—but Jack was captivated. What began as a novelty became his calling.

A gifted two-sport athlete, Jack played both baseball and hockey into his twenties, spending time in the Boston Minutemen organization as a second baseman before finally choosing the ice over the diamond. His career in the North American Hockey Conference spanned two decades; first as a rugged, stay-at-home defenseman and later as a bruising right winger with a knack for clutch scoring. He earned a reputation as one of the game’s toughest and most cerebral players—respected, feared, and admired in equal measure.

When injuries caught up to him, Jack transitioned seamlessly behind the bench, where he built a second career as one of the NAHC’s finest coaches. A master motivator and disciplinarian, he molded championship-caliber teams with the same mix of grit and grace that defined his playing days.

As of 1968: Jack and his wife Marie Dupuis Barrell live in Montreal, where Jack enjoys semi-retirement and the quiet pride of watching his former players join him in the Hall of Fame.

Marie (Dupuis) Barrell
Born: April 3, 1900 – Rouen, France
Age: 67 (as of 1968)
Marie arrived in Montreal from France as a young woman with a secret—she was pregnant with Agnes Barrell, the daughter of Jack’s late brother Jimmy. Heartbroken after Jimmy’s death, she found solace in Jack, who offered her protection, stability, and eventually love. Their marriage became one of mutual respect and quiet strength. Together, they raised Agnes as their own alongside two daughters of their own—Jean and Vera.

Agnes “Aggie” Barrell Pollack
Born: June 25, 1919 – Montreal, PQ
Age: 48 (as of 1968)
The daughter of Jimmy Barrell and Marie Dupuis, Agnes inherited her biological father’s fair hair and charm, as well as her mother’s sensitivity. She grew up believing Jack was her father and adored him as such. The truth—discovered later in life through meeting her half-brother James Slocum—shook her deeply, but ultimately strengthened her bond with Jack, whose unwavering love defined her sense of family.

Agnes married William “Billy” McCullough, brother of Charley McCullough (Gloria Barrell’s husband), in late 1941. A U.S. Navy officer stationed at Pearl Harbor, Billy was killed on December 7, 1941, leaving Agnes widowed and shattered. In time, she rebuilt her life and found lasting love with Quinton Pollack, a soon-to-be hockey legend who had played for Jack. Together, they built a warm, stable family that restored the joy Agnes had long been denied.

As of 1968: Agnes and Quinton, now billed by sportswriters as the "first family of hockey," live in Toronto with their children, Mary and Billy, while their eldest, Jack, is poised to be drafted into the NAHC—a new generation of Barrell blood taking to the ice.

Jean Barrell Lee
Born: May 30, 1923 – Montreal, PQ
Age: 44 (as of 1968)
Dark-haired and quick-minded like her mother, Jean grew up feeling overshadowed by her luminous sister Agnes. Her creative streak became her refuge. Encouraged by her grandfather Rufus, she developed a passion for art, sketching portraits of ballplayers—including one of FABL slugger Sal Pestilli that found its way to the man himself, courtesy of Rufus.

Jean later moved to New York City, joining an advertising agency where her talent and drive found fertile ground. There she met Eugene “Gene” Lee, a former ballplayer turned ad man. The two became partners in both business and life, known in creative circles as “Jean and Gene,” a pair as stylish as they were inseparable.

As of 1968: Jean and Gene live in Manhattan with their young son George, balancing high-powered careers with family life amid the bright lights of Madison Avenue.

Vera Barrell Gauthier
Born: June 25, 1929 – Montreal, PQ
Age: 38 (as of 1968)
The youngest of Jack and Marie’s daughters, Vera was named after her great-grandmother, a woman whose memory Jack cherished deeply. Unlike her namesake, Vera is reserved and methodical, possessing her mother’s elegance and her father’s quiet confidence. She grew up close to her sister Jean, though their personalities diverged—Jean was outwardly expressive while Vera preferred the calm of order and structure.

Patient in all things, Vera took her time finding love, marrying Maurice Gauthier shortly after her 30th birthday. The couple settled in Montreal, where Vera now balances family life with volunteer work and the social circles of Quebec’s hockey elite.

As of 1968: Vera and Maurice are raising two young children—Jacques and Marie—in a bilingual household that blends her father’s legacy with her mother’s heritage.

THE THIRD GENERATION
The family of James “Jimmy” Barrell (1900–1919)
James "Jimmy" Barrell
Born: June 6, 1900 - Brooklyn, NY
Died: May 31, 1919 - Indianapolis, IN (Age 18)
Jimmy Barrell was the family daredevil and idealist. This led him to automobile racing at an early age (assisted by Rollie) which got him, as usual, into hot water with his parents, particularly Alice. Rufus was highly susceptible to Jimmy's charm, whereas the ever-practical Alice was terrified by Jimmy's reckless nature. This same recklessness caused him to enlist in the U.S. Army while still underage using a doctored birth certificate. Shipped off to France, Jimmy utilized his charm - and his stubborn nature - to eventually become a pilot. He made ace before being shot down over German-held territory. Injured, and later sick with the flu, Jimmy was interned in a POW hospital where he met and fell in love with nurse Claudia Neumann. At war's end they made their way to the American forces, were married and returned to the U.S. to the delight - and surprise - of Jimmy's family. Their marriage was short-lived as Jimmy was killed in a fiery crash at Indianapolis on May 31, 1919. Their son, James Barrell Jr., was born after his father's death, left only with a few photos and stories of Jimmy Barrell's adventures & exploits.

Claudia (Neumann) Barrell Slocum
Born: March 1, 1899 – Bremen, Germany
Age: 68 (as of 1968)
A German nurse who lost her entire family in the Great War, Claudia met the wounded Jimmy Barrell in a POW hospital in her homeland of Germany in 1918. Their brief, intense wartime romance ended with marriage in France—unaware that Jimmy had left behind Marie Dupuis, who was pregnant with his first child, Agnes. When Jimmy brought Claudia home to America, the reunion stunned his family. Yet Claudia’s dignity, resolve, and devotion to Jimmy gradually won over Rufus and Alice.

Barely weeks after Jimmy’s death in the fiery Indianapolis crash of 1919, Claudia discovered she was pregnant. With no family left in Europe, she stayed in the United States, settling in Washington, D.C., where Rufus’s Polish-born scouting partner Thomas Potentas offered her lodging and work. She and Potentas also tutored several of the Barrells (most notably Fred) in languages, allowing Fred Barrell to become an OSS agent during the Second World War. Dan Barrell had a teenage love for her, and though the age difference prevented anything coming of it, held a lifelong closeness with Claudia.

It was during those difficult years that she met Powell Slocum, baseball's hits king and future Hall of Famer. Their shared resilience and love of baseball forged a deep connection. They married in 1923, and Powell formally adopted her son, making him James Slocum.Claudia returned to Germany during the 1936 Olympics, and was horrified to see the Nazi regime in action.

As of 1968: the twice-widowed Claudia resides quietly in Charlotte, North Carolina, near her son James and his family. Though her accent remains, her heart and home are firmly American.

James Barrell Slocum
Born: February 11, 1920 – Washington, D.C.
Age: 47 (as of 1968)
Born James Barrell Jr., the posthumous son of Jimmy Barrell and Claudia Neumann, he was adopted by baseball legend Powell Slocum, taking both his stepfather’s surname and much of his steady temperament. Unlike his half-sister Agnes, James never wrestled with questions of legitimacy—his mother’s strength and his uncles’ affection gave him a grounded sense of belonging.

Growing up in Brooklyn while Powell managed the Kings, James was surrounded by baseball yet drawn toward the skies. He idolized his father’s bravery as a pilot and, with quiet encouragement from his uncle Tom Barrell (and against his mother's wishes) pursued flying. Through Tom, he met his father’s old wartime comrade, Bill Merlon, who became both mentor and friend.

James joined the U.S. Army Air Forces during the Second World War, flying B-17 Flying Fortresses over Europe and later B-29 Superfortresses in the Pacific. The destruction he witnessed from the air haunted him deeply; he was conflicted about saving American lives at the cost of dropping bombs on cities.

On Saipan in 1945, James met his cousin Roger Cleaves, then a U.S. Marine, and the two formed a bond rooted in shared loss, discipline, and the understanding that courage often comes with a cost. He also spent time with his half-sister Agnes, who worked in Hawaii for Naval Intelligence, developing a strong and lasting sibling bond.

After the war, James married Rose Winfield, the mechanically gifted daughter of legendary driver Jack Winfield, who had known Jimmy Barrell personally and was trackside the day of his fatal crash. Rose introduced James to auto racing, and together—with Jack Winfield in an advisory role—they co-founded the North American Racing Federation (NARF), a professional stock car circuit built on precision, safety, and spectacle.

James proved an adept businessman and a skilled (though occasional) driver; his calm under pressure echoing both his father’s daring and his stepfather’s steadiness.

As of 1968: James and Rose live in Charlotte, North Carolina, where NARF has become one of the fastest-growing sports organizations in the country. They have five children—Brenda, Paul, James Powell (J.P.), Edward, and Susan “Sissy”—each carrying forward the blend of Barrell boldness and Slocum resolve.

THE THIRD GENERATION
The family of Daniel “Dan” Barrell (1904–1964)

Daniel “Dan” Barrell
Born: September 5, 1904 – Brooklyn, NY
Died: March 22, 1964 – Chicago, IL (Age 59)
The “middle boy” among Rufus and Alice Barrell’s nine sons, Dan grew up balanced between the fiery ambition of his elder brothers and the youthful exuberance of those who came after. A gifted athlete and thoughtful student, he carried a quiet intensity that defined his life both on and off the field.

Dan’s early years were marked by heartbreak and resilience. In his teens, he fell deeply in love with Claudia Neumann, the young widow of his brother Jimmy, only to lose her when she married Powell Slocum. Later, his courtship with the daughter of an English diplomat ended just as abruptly when she returned home to London. These disappointments left Dan cautious in love, though not defeated.

A natural athlete, Dan represented the United States in the 1924 Paris Olympics as a decathlete, finishing respectably but outside the medals. Returning home, he became a college football star and was widely expected to make the 1928 Olympic team—until a devastating knee injury ended those hopes. Believing his athletic career over, he focused on rehabilitation, guided by the very man who had unknowingly broken his heart years earlier: Powell Slocum.

Through determination and Slocum’s mentorship, Dan found a second act in baseball. Switching from the gridiron to the diamond, he became a capable first baseman despite his injury, rising through the minors and ultimately joining his brothers in the Brooklyn Kings organization. While his playing career was shortened by the same troublesome knee, his intelligence and leadership soon found another outlet: management.

Dan later married Gladys Summers, a sharp and independent basketball scout working for his brother Rollie Barrell. The two shared a deep bond built on mutual respect and a shared understanding of competition. After retiring as a player, Dan joined his father’s scouting agency and eventually rose to become President of the Federally Aligned Baseball Leagues (FABL). His tenure was marked by progress and integrity, though his unwillingness to compromise with certain club owners cost him political allies and, ultimately, the presidency.

In his final years, Dan served as Athletic Director of Chicago Polytechnic Institute, his alma mater. Those who knew him say the stress of that demanding position may have contributed to his fatal heart attack in 1964. What’s certain is that Dan Barrell died as he lived—devoted to sport, to excellence, and to family.

As of 1968: His widow, Gladys Summers Barrell (b. 1903), lives in Chicago, Illinois, proud of her sons: Mike, a U.S. Army officer serving in Vietnam, and Steve, a professional basketball star for the Detroit Mustangs.

Gladys Summers Barrell
Born: February 17, 1903 – Fort Wayne, IN
Alive as of 1968 – Age 65

Strong-willed, intelligent, and endlessly perceptive, Gladys Summers Barrell has always been a force in her own right. The niece of AFA co-founder Jack Kristich, she first met the Barrell family through Rollie Barrell, for whom she worked as a basketball scout. Her keen eye for talent made her one of the earliest women to find success in the male-dominated world of sports management. Fate — and a spilled gravy boat — introduced her to Dan Barrell while on a scouting trip to Wichita, Kansas. The accident led to laughter, then to love, and the two married in 1928.

Gladys complemented Dan perfectly — his calm balance to her directness, his warmth to her sharp instincts. She was his confidante through his years as FABL President and later as Athletic Director at Chicago Poly, where she became affectionately known as “the power behind the throne.” Widowed since Dan’s passing in 1966, Gladys has remained deeply devoted to her family, taking pride in her sons Mike and Steve while quietly worrying for Mike’s safety as he serves in Vietnam.

Michael “Mike” Barrell
Born: November 22, 1933 – Chicago, IL
Age: 34 (as of 1968)
The elder son of Dan and Gladys Barrell, Mike grew up in the shadow of his father’s athletic fame but forged a path all his own—one of discipline, service, and quiet courage. A natural leader and three-sport athlete at Rome State College, he starred as a quarterback, third baseman, and forward, guiding the football team to a 9–0 regular season and a #6 national ranking in 1953. He was an efficient passer, completing 55 percent of his throws for 872 yards, and hit .302 for the baseball team while anchoring the defense on the hardwood.

Graduating with honors in 1955, Mike bypassed opportunities in professional football to join the U.S. Army. His athletic discipline translated seamlessly to military life, and he rose steadily through the ranks. By 1968, now a Major, he serves as Executive Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in South Vietnam.

An idealist at heart, Mike believes deeply in duty and honor, though the war’s moral ambiguities have begun to weigh on him. His wife, Ruby Lee Brown Barrell, and their three young children—Douglas, Bradley, and Elizabeth Ann—live in Macon, Georgia, awaiting his safe return.

As of 1968: Stationed near Pleiku, South Vietnam, Major Barrell commands the respect of his men and maintains regular correspondence with his brother Steve, whose celebrity life in Boston feels a world apart from Mike’s muddy outposts.

Steven “Steve” Barrell
Born: April 19, 1936 – Chicago, IL
Age: 31 (as of 1968)
If Mike Barrell inherited his father’s discipline, Steve took after his uncle Bobby’s charisma. A natural athlete with film-star looks and an effortless smile, Steve was a standout in both football and basketball at Chicago Polytechnic Institute, where he played under his father’s tenure as Athletic Director.

As a football quarterback, he was known for poise under pressure and a sharp, accurate arm. But it was on the basketball court that Steve truly shined, guiding the Catamounts to their first-ever Top 25 ranking (#22) and a 20–11 record in 1957–58. Drafted 2nd overall in the 1958 Federal Basketball Association draft by the Boston Centurions, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier young guards—averaging 14.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in his rookie season.

Now entering his athletic prime, Steve is as thoughtful as he is talented. The ongoing war in Vietnam has strained his easy confidence; he struggles privately with guilt over living a life of luxury while his brother faces combat. His conversations with his wife, Shirley Rose Cowan Barrell, and his mother, Gladys, often center on the question of what it means to serve one’s country—and one’s conscience.

As of 1968: Living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with Shirley and their two young children, Mark and Lisa, Steve remains the Centurions’ emotional core and one of the FBL’s brightest stars. Though fans adore his effortless grace, those closest to him see a man quietly haunted by the widening distance between the playing field and the battlefield.

The Third Generation
The family of Frederick “Fred” Barrell(1905– )

Frederick “Fred” Barrell Sr.
Born: September 12, 1905 – Brooklyn, NY
Alive as of 1968 – Age 62

The sixth son of Rufus and Alice Barrell, Fred Barrell was a dependable catcher who played thirteen seasons in FABL, most notably with the Chicago Cougars and Brooklyn Kings. A cerebral player known for his leadership and calm presence behind the plate, he became the ideal battery-mate to his younger brother Tom. When his playing days ended in 1943, Fred answered a different kind of call — joining the OSS and operating behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied Europe, working closely with the French Resistance. After the war, he returned to baseball as a scout and manager, but in 1952 he was recruited into the newly formed CIA. Stationed first in Canada and later in West Berlin, he rose to Station Chief, a post he still holds in 1968, navigating the dangerous tensions of the Cold War with the same quiet steadiness that once guided pitchers on the mound.

Matilda “Tillie” Hobart Barrell
Born: May 30, 1908 – Hartford, CT
Alive as of 1968 – Age 60

Tillie Hobart Barrell has always been a free spirit — artistic, intelligent, and compassionate. Married to Fred since 1929, she has spent much of her adult life balancing domesticity with adventure, following her husband’s assignments across North America and Europe. Though she is supportive of Fred’s work, Tillie is the family’s emotional anchor, serving as a counterbalance to the secrecy and stress that come with intelligence work. Living in divided Berlin during 1968, she is both fascinated and troubled by the youth movements sweeping the West, particularly through the eyes of her daughter Loretta.

Frederick “Freddy” Barrell Jr.
Born: August 6, 1932 – Brooklyn, NY
Alive as of 1968 – Age 35

The eldest of Fred and Tillie’s children, Freddy Barrell followed in his father’s early footsteps, starring as a high school athlete in Detroit during Fred’s tenure with the Dynamos. Drafted by Detroit after graduation, Freddy played catcher in the minors for the Biloxi Billies before retiring from baseball in 1952. Turning his competitive drive toward golf, he became a respectable touring pro under the mentorship of his uncle Tom Barrell. Later, through his cousin Allie’s recommendation, he was appointed President of the Detroit Maroons football club following Rollie Barrell’s death. By 1968, Freddy has grown into a thoughtful, capable executive — the quiet leader of the Maroons’ front office.

Benjamin “Benny” Barrell
Born: 1937 – Ottawa, Canada
Alive as of 1968 – Age 30

A fiery, passionate player, Benny Barrell inherited both his father’s competitive streak and his uncle Joe’s temper. A talented hockey player from a young age, Benny left home at sixteen to play for the Hull Hawks, becoming one of Canada’s top junior prospects. Drafted fourth overall by the Detroit Motors in 1956, he has spent his entire NAHC career with the club, playing center alongside his younger brother Hobie. Though often overshadowed by Hobie’s brilliance, Benny is a respected veteran and locker room leader — the glue that keeps the Motors’ roster steady through success and hardship alike.

Hobart “Hobie” Barrell
Born: 1940 – Ottawa, Canada
Alive as of 1968 – Age 27

The youngest son of Fred and Tillie, Hobie Barrell is the most naturally gifted athlete in the Barrell family since the days of Joe and Jimmy. A prodigy in multiple sports, Hobie’s passion for hockey made him a household name in Canadian junior circles. Drafted first overall by Halifax in the CAHA junior draft, he shattered records before being selected second overall by the Detroit Motors in the 1960 NAHC Draft. Joining the Motors straight out of juniors, he became a superstar almost overnight. By 1968, Hobie is the face of the NAHC — a scoring dynamo, multiple MVP winner, and certain future Hall of Famer.

Loretta Barrell
Born: 1947 – Toronto, Ontario
Alive as of 1968 – Age 21

Intelligent, idealistic, and strong-willed, Loretta Barrell takes after her mother Tillie in spirit but carries her father Fred’s determination. Growing up in diplomatic circles, she has seen the best and worst of human nature — and as a college student in West Berlin, she is increasingly drawn to the youth movements challenging authority across Europe. She loves her father deeply, but their relationship is marked by ideological friction: Fred represents the establishment she mistrusts, while Tillie plays peacemaker between them.

The Third Generation
The family of Thomas “Tom” Barrell(1908– )

Thomas “Tom” Barrell
Born: February 14, 1908 – Brooklyn, NY
Alive as of 1968 – Age 60

Hard-headed, intense, and relentlessly competitive, Tom Barrell was every inch the pitcher he appeared to be from boyhood onward. The seventh son of Rufus and Alice Barrell, Tom grew up idolizing his older brothers and vowing to outdo them. Blessed with a powerful arm and a fierce work ethic, he was both a gifted hitter and one of the best pitching prospects of his generation. Choosing to focus on the mound, Tom debuted with the Chicago Cougars before being traded to Brooklyn, where he reunited with his brothers Dan, Fred, and Harry on the Kings’ roster.

A perfectionist to the core, Tom was notoriously anti-social on days he pitched, refusing to talk about anything not directly related to baseball — with the lone exception of his brother Fred, who happened to be his catcher. Despite recurring injuries that hampered the second half of his career, Tom reinvented himself as a control artist and finished strong with the Cincinnati Cannons, sharing the rotation with his nephew Deuce Barrell. After his retirement, the onetime “iron man” of the Kings became a successful manager, amateur golfer, and later a public relations troubleshooter for his nephew James Slocum’s NARF racing organization. Now semi-retired, Tom lives a quieter life in Hickory, North Carolina, mentoring his young son — a budding pitcher who shares his father’s intensity and fire.

Maureen “Marla” Fitzgerald Barrell
Born: May 11, 1920 – Pittsburgh, PA
Alive as of 1968 – Age 48

The daughter of Pittsburgh Miners owner Daniel Fitzgerald, Maureen “Marla” Fitzgerald Barrell grew up in the midst of baseball royalty. Strong-willed, independent, and charismatic, she worked in the Miners’ front office during her father’s later years of ownership, where she met a host of players — none more intriguing than Tom Barrell. Known around the league as a “skirt chaser,” Tom found in Marla someone who refused to be impressed by reputation or charm. The unlikely pair fell hard for each other, marrying in February 1946.

Marla’s steadfast confidence and intellect balanced Tom’s volatility, transforming him from a brash bachelor into a devoted husband and father. She remains his equal partner — both in life and spirit — and is often credited by family as the one who helped Tom find peace after a turbulent playing career.

Donald “Don” Barrell
Born: February 8, 1952 – Hickory, NC
Alive as of 1968 – Age 16

A bright and determined teenager, Don Barrell idolizes his father and has inherited both his stubbornness and competitive drive. A multi-sport athlete at Hickory High, Don has shown particular promise on the pitcher’s mound, where his natural poise and powerful arm have local scouts already whispering that “he’s a Barrell through and through.”

Maureen “Mo” Barrell
Born: August 11, 1954 – Hickory, NC
Alive as of 1968 – Age 13

The youngest of Tom and Marla’s children, “Mo” Barrell is energetic, sharp-tongued, and fiercely curious. A tomboy by nature, she idolizes her father and brother but shares her mother’s free spirit. Still too young to know where her path will lead, Mo’s lively presence and boundless enthusiasm keep the Barrell household anything but quiet.

The Third Generation
The family of Robert "Bobby" Barrell (1910 - )

Robert “Bobby” Barrell
Born: July 22, 1910 – Egypt, GA
Alive as of 1968 – Age 58

A larger-than-life figure both on and off the field, Bobby Barrell is among the greatest hitters in baseball history. Nicknamed “The Georgia Jolter,” the left-handed slugger smashed his way into the FABL record books with 3,815 hits, 639 home runs, and 2,328 RBIs over 21 seasons, all with the Philadelphia Keystones. A six-time Whitney Award winner and 1957 Hall of Fame inductee, Bobby’s combination of raw power, easy charm, and boundless charisma made him a national icon.

He was adored by Philadelphia’s “Bleacher Babies” — the kids who packed the outfield seats, calling his name and often going home with autographed balls, candy, or a story about the day Bobby Barrell smiled at them. His popularity was unmatched, and his humor and optimism masked a deeply competitive spirit.

Off the field, Bobby’s life had its share of drama: he famously feuded with his brother Tom over his future wife, Olympic star Annette O’Boyle, and later survived being shot by a jealous admirer while protecting her. He returned to the field undeterred, eventually transitioning into a second career as a beloved NBC broadcaster, turning his gift for connecting with fans into a new legacy behind the microphone.

Annette O’Boyle Barrell
Born: October 14, 1913 – Philadelphia, PA
Alive as of 1968 – Age 54

Before she became Mrs. Bobby Barrell, Annette O’Boyle was already a household name. A decorated Olympic track and field athlete who competed in the 1936 Berlin Games, Annette captivated audiences with her grace, speed, and strong-willed personality. She and Bobby were rivals in spirit — fiercely competitive and magnetic in their own ways — and their marriage became one of sport’s great love stories.

After retiring from competition, Annette became a respected advocate for women’s athletics, lending her voice to broadcasts and youth programs while supporting her husband’s career. Elegant, articulate, and fiercely independent, she remains an icon in her own right and a pillar of the Barrell family.

Ralph “Butch” Barrell
Born: April 13, 1940 – Philadelphia, PA
Alive as of 1968 – Age 28

The eldest of Bobby and Annette’s two sons, Ralph Barrell exploded onto the scene as a 19-year-old rookie with the Los Angeles Stars in 1959, joining his cousin Charlie Barrell in the heart of the lineup. A right-handed slugger with his father’s powerful swing and a calm, analytical demeanor, Ralph made an immediate impact, posting several strong seasons to begin his career and emerging as one of FABL’s brightest young stars.

But injuries and inconsistency plagued him from 1965 through 1967, testing his resolve and reputation. Entering 1968, Ralph has rededicated himself, transforming his physique through intense offseason workouts with his younger brother, football star Bobby Jr. With renewed strength and focus, Ralph is determined to reclaim his place among the game’s elite and help lead a loaded Stars team back into contention.

Robert “Bobby” Barrell Jr.
Born: September 19, 1943 – Philadelphia, PA
Alive as of 1968 – Age 24

While his father conquered baseball, Bobby Barrell Jr. took a different path. A towering, 6'4", 290-pound defensive end, Junior plays for the Kansas City Cowboys of the AFA, where his combination of brute strength, quickness, and intelligence has made him one of the league’s premier pass rushers. Drafted in the second round in 1966 after a standout career at Coastal Carolina, Bobby Jr. has already earned a reputation for sheer dominance, leading the league in sacks and striking fear into quarterbacks across the country.

Despite his intimidating size, Junior possesses the easy confidence of his father and a sharp wit that’s made him a fan favorite. His grueling workout routines — legendary even by pro standards — have become part of his lore, and he’s been credited with helping his brother Ralph rebuild his body for his baseball comeback.

Unmarried but hardly unnoticed, Bobby Jr. has parlayed his athletic fame into occasional professional wrestling appearances, where his combination of athleticism and charisma draws crowds as large as any Sunday crowd at the gridiron.

�� THE THIRD GENERATION
The family of Elizabeth “Betsy” Barrell Bowens (1914– )

Elizabeth “Betsy” Barrell Bowens
Born: February 11, 1914 – Egypt, GA
Alive as of: 1968 (Age 54)

The youngest of Rufus and Alice Barrell’s children, Betsy Barrell inherited her father’s steel will and her mother’s grace. A natural athlete, she excelled in both tennis and track & field, ultimately representing the United States at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. There, she competed alongside Annette O’Boyle—later her sister-in-law and close friend—but the two began as fierce rivals, especially after Betsy became convinced Annette’s flirtations with her brothers Tom and Bobby Barrell were designed solely to get under her skin.

In time, Betsy and Annette found common ground, their shared competitive streak turning into mutual respect once Annette married Bobby. Betsy herself wed Thomas “Tom” Bowens, a handsome and driven football star from St. Blane University, on Christmas Day, 1937, at the Barrell family farm in Egypt, Georgia.

Throughout her husband’s military service, pro football playing and later coaching career, Betsy remained his steadfast partner and the emotional anchor of their family. She adapted easily to life on the West Coast when Tom joined the staff at CC Los Angeles (CCLA), where she raised their three children—George, Tom Jr., and Wilhelmina “Billie”—while maintaining her passion for sport and competition.

Even in her fifties, Betsy remains active and spirited, often spotted at CCLA games cheering on her sons or sparring playfully with sportswriters who dare to underestimate her understanding of the game.

Thomas “Tom” Bowens
Born: June 10, 1913 – Dayton, OH
Alive as of: 1968 (Age 55)

A driven and disciplined man both on and off the field, Tom Bowens earned his reputation first as a standout end for St. Blane University and later as one of the AFA’s premier receivers with the Boston Americans. Known for his quiet toughness and professionalism, Tom’s leadership helped the Americans win the 1945 AFA Championship before he retired and transitioned to coaching.

Following a successful stint as an assistant, Tom eventually became the head coach at Coastal California University (Los Angeles campus), better known as CCLA. His teams were known for balance, precision, and an unrelenting focus on fundamentals—reflecting his philosophy that “discipline wins more games than talent.”

By 1968, Bowens had compiled a respected record, leading the Coyotes to regular conference contention. His coaching style—structured yet adaptable—has earned him a reputation as a “player’s coach,” particularly given that both of his sons played under his tutelage. At home, Tom remains a loyal husband and proud father, balancing family legacy with a professional demeanor that has made him one of the most respected figures in collegiate football.

George Bowens
Born: September 1, 1940 – Boston, MA
Alive as of: 1968 (Age 27)

The eldest child of Tom and Betsy Bowens, George Bowens grew up immersed in football—coached by his father at home and later on the field. A natural athlete, George played wide receiver for CCLA, where he became one of the school’s most reliable pass-catchers. His combination of strong hands, intelligence, and route-running precision helped anchor the Coyotes’ offense during the early 1960s.

Drafted in the second round of the 1963 AFA Draft by the Los Angeles Tigers, George continued to develop as a dependable possession receiver at the professional level. Though never a flashy star, his consistency and professionalism earned him respect in locker rooms and press boxes alike. George embodies his father’s discipline and his mother’s composure—a steady presence both on and off the field.

Thomas “Tom Jr.” Bowens
Born: April 14, 1947 – Los Angeles, CA
Alive as of: 1968 (Age 21)

The younger son of Tom and Betsy Bowens, Tom Jr. has followed closely in his father’s—and brother’s—footsteps, playing wide receiver for CCLA under his father’s coaching. Taller and leaner than George, Tom Jr. brings a mix of athleticism and raw speed that makes him a dangerous deep threat.

Despite the challenges of being both “the coach’s son” and “George’s little brother,” Tom Jr. has carved out his own identity as a clutch performer, particularly noted for his hands and composure under pressure. His senior year campaign has drawn the attention of AFA scouts, and a professional future seems likely once he graduates.

Those who know him describe Tom Jr. as quieter and more introspective than his brother, but with the same unshakable competitive streak that defines every member of his remarkable family.

Wilhelmina “Billie” Bowens
Born: May 10, 1950 – Los Angeles, CA
Alive as of: 1968 (Age 18)

The youngest of the Bowens children, Billie inherited her mother’s fiery independence and athletic grace. A talented tennis player in her own right, she’s preparing to attend college in the fall, with ambitions to play competitively. Though not as sports-obsessed as her brothers, Billie is fiercely proud of her family’s legacy—especially her mother’s—and carries the Barrell determination into everything she does.

More to come!