Tom Barlow
(1896-1983)
Hall of Fame Induction: 1981
Card Shown:
1986-2002 Basketball Hall of Fame Metallic
Position: G
Height: 6’1″
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Tom Barlow, one of the first enforcers in basketball, played the game when it was fast and rough and played in cages. At 6’1″, Tom was considered a relative “giant” in those early days of basketball. Barlow was a rugged player with a hot temper. He intimidated other players and even the referees. In addition to being an enforcer, Tom was a top rebounder and a strong defensive player. He could also score the ball, finishing in the top five in scoring in the Eastern Basketball League (EBL) several times.
Awards and Honors
- Tom started playing pro basketball in 1912 while he was still in high school. He joined his local team, the Trenton Tigers, and was paid $15.00 per game.
- Barlow helped to spread the game of professional basketball around the country by leading barnstorming teams that played mostly in the Northeast and Midwest.
- During the 1918-19 season, Tom served his country for six months in the U.S. Army until the armistice of 1918 ended World War I.
- In 1926, Barlow led the Philadelphia Warriors to the World Basketball Championship, defeating the Original Celtics two games to one.
- Barlow’s teams achieved milestone victories against the Original Celtics and the New York Rens, two of the greatest teams of their time.
Points of Interest
- Tom’s basketball career spanned 21 years, from 1911-1932. During that time he played for a number of teams including the Trenton Tigers, the Philadelphia Warriors, the Philadelphia Sphas, and the Trenton Royal Bengals. He is known for having played on three different teams at one time.
- Between 1926 and 1932, Barlow was the highest paid player in professional basketball, earning $45.00 per game.
- Tom retired from professional basketball in 1932. That same year he was married to Mildred Kelty and they had two children together.
- Barlow became a building inspector for the city of Trenton and was later promoted to Building Chief before retiring in 1967.
Tom Barlow Signed Photo Back
