SEPTEMBER 13, 1948
TOUHEY SIGNS WITH DETROIT
The Detroit Motors have taken steps to address the inconsistency out of their goaltending last year by agreeing to a 4-year deal with former Montreal Valiants netminder Millard Touhey. The 32-year-old Touhey started 51 games for the Vals a year ago, posting a 3.18 goals against average, but was released by the club over the summer due to inconsistent play of his own.
Touhey was Montreal's goaltender for the past five seasons and had a dominant 1945-46 campaign that culminated with an opening round playoff upset of the first place Toronto Dukes. Big things were expected from the Toronto native in 1946-47 but he reported to training camp out of shape and never did get untracked causing the Valiants to miss the playoffs. They had a terrific start to the season a year ago but second half struggles, including but not limited to Touhey's work in net, saw the Valiants miss the playoffs for a second year in a row.
The Motors had their own challenges between the pipes last season as 25-year-old Henri Chasse, a Juneau Trophy winner in his sophomore season of 1945-46, endured plenty of ups and downs last season as the Motors sank to the bottom of the league after finishing third the previous season. Chasse was among the top goaltenders two years ago but saw his goals against average balloon by nearly a goal a game and his save percentage fall below .900 in a year filled with struggles.
The pair are expected to fight it out for the number one job which likely spells the end of veteran backup goaltender Brad Carter's days in the Motor City. Carter, who backstopped Seattle to a Great Western League title in 1942-43 before joining the New York Shamrocks the following year, played in an NAHC career high 19 games for Detroit last season.
Motors new head coach Badger Rigney promises it will be an open battle for the starting job and each goaltender gets a clean slate with the bench boss, who replaced the departed Mark Moore. "I have full confidence in each of them and it is a luxury to have two goaltenders that have each proven they are more than capable of carrying a team," explained Rigney. "Having two number ones is a good thing and we hope will bring out the best in both Henri and Millard."
The Motors had expressed some interest in Touhey in June but at the time his contract demand was said to be over $20,000 season. After negotiations between Touhey and the HAA's Syracuse Lancers fell apart, he lowered his demand and agreed to a 4-year deal with Detroit that will pay the netminder just over $16,000. Detroit does have a lot of money tied up between the pipes as Henri Chasse signed a long-term extension a year ago that pays him $18,000 per annum.
In other transaction news the Toronto Dukes signed a depth goaltender, inking former New York Shamrocks backup Ronnie Flanagan to a two-year deal worth $3,200 per season. The 31-year-old Parkhill, Ont. native spent a number of seasons early in the decade as a starter with both the Shamrocks and Detroit but appeared in just 1 game for the Greenshirts last season while splitting time between New York and the minor league Philadelphia Rascals. Flanagan is expected to challenge Terry Russell for the back-up job behind veteran Gordie Broadway.
BASEBALL HALL OF FAMER RUFUS BARREL DEAD AT 75
Note: Rufus Barrell was that father of former NAHC star and long-time coach Jack Barrell, who recently guided the Toronto Dukes to the Challenge Cup title. The NAHC joins all of the sporting community in mourning the passing of a legend, who in addition to being the patriarch of a long-list of pro athletes, also helped revolutionize the scouting business in hockey, baseball and basketball with his role in the establishment of the Omni Scouting Agency. Barrell was a 1948 inductee into the baseball Hall of Fame.
Renowned Baseball Scout and Beloved Family Man
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Rufus Barrell, a legendary figure in the world of sports and a beloved patriarch of his family. Mr. Barrell, aged 75, peacefully departed this world in his sleep on the morning of September 9, 1948, at his family farm in Egypt, Georgia.
Born on June 13, 1873, on that same farm, Rufus Barrell's legacy is one of unwavering dedication, passion, and love. He leaves behind a trail of memories and achievements that have touched countless lives.
Rufus was a man deeply committed to the sport of baseball. His early life as a highly talented pitcher was marked by promise and potential until a fateful accident prematurely ended his playing career. However, rather than succumbing to adversity, Rufus channeled his passion into a new role as a scout.
In the annals of baseball history, Rufus Barrell's name is synonymous with excellence in scouting. He co-founded the Omni Scouting Association, a name now revered for its commitment to identifying and nurturing talent. OSA became the official scouting partner not only of professional baseball but also of football, hockey, and basketball, underscoring Rufus's profound influence in the world of sports.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rufus served as a scouting director for several esteemed teams, including the Brooklyn Kings, the Washington Eagles, and the Cincinnati Cannons. His keen eye for talent, unerring judgment, and dedication to the sport propelled these teams to success and established Rufus as a revered figure in the scouting community.
In the tightly-knit Federally Aligned Baseball Leagues (FABL) community, Rufus Barrell was more than a legend; he was a cherished icon, a symbol of unwavering commitment, and an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rufus was a devoted family man. He shared nearly sixty years of marriage with his beloved wife, Alice Barrell. Together, they raised ten children: Joe, Rollie, Jack, Jimmy, Dan, Fred, Tom, Bobby, Harry, and Betsy. Their family's strength endured even in the face of profound tragedy, having lost two sons, Joe and Jimmy, under heartbreaking circumstances.
As Rufus Barrell peacefully departed this world, he left behind a legacy of love, dedication, and indomitable spirit. His life was a testament to the enduring power of passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment to one's craft.
Rufus's memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact on the world of sports and his enduring legacy as a devoted family man will continue to inspire generations to come.
A private family service will be held in honor of Rufus Barrell, commemorating a life well-lived and a legacy that will never fade.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Rufus Barrell Memorial Fund, dedicated to supporting aspiring athletes in achieving their dreams, just as Rufus did throughout his remarkable life.
OTHER HEADLINES THIS WEEK
- Despite missing his top two receivers, Pat Chappell still threw for 308 yards to lead the two-time defending Continental Football Conference champion Kansas City Cowboys to a hard-fought 23-22 victory in Buffalo. The Cowboys are 2-0 as are the New Orleans Crescents after rookie Vince Gallegos threw for 268 yards and two scores in a 28-14 doubling of the New York Gothams.
- Canyon A&M dumped Flagstaff State 24-7 in battle between Southern Border Conference foes in the lone game to open the collegiate football schedule. Most teams do not get underway for another two weeks but there are a pair of key games next weekend in Penn Catholic hosting Darnell State while Travis College debuts at home against Bayou State. Coast powers CC Los Angelees and Coastal California will also see action.
- The St Louis Pioneers and Philadelphia Sailors each increased their lead in the FABL pennant races. The Pioneers won 7 of their last 8 games to pull 3.5 games ahead of second place Washington with 3 weeks remaining in the campaign while in the Continental Association the Sailors are 2 up on the New York Stars.
- On the campaign trail in Michigan, President Truman predicted another "boom and bust" cycle if "a reactionary Republican administration comes into power," adding "the boom is for them and the bust is for you."
- Gov. Dewey of New York, Republican presidential nominee, will make his first campaign speech September 20 in Des Moines, Ia.
- Two American news correspondents were hurt after Communist-led demonstrators once more smashed into Berlin's City Hall, using battering rams and smashing windows.
- Russians and Communist-controlled German police fired on Berlin anti-Communists after a crowd of Germans stoned a jeepload of Russian soldiers inside the Soviet sector. Soviet officials accused the Western Allies of "inciting" Berliners against Russia and Communism.
Full national sports coverage is available in this week's edition of
THIS WEEK IN FIGMENT BASEBALL.