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Thomas B. Barlow
Basketball Hall of Fame

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Pro Playing Highlights:

Most noted for his contributions with the Trenton Tigers of the Eastern League, the Sphas of the Philadelphia League and the Philadelphia Warriors of the ABL. 
Played under Hall of Fame coach Eddie Gottlieb with the SPHAs and Warriors 
Barlow and the Sphas were among the best in the nation in 1926; he helped the team beat the Original Celtics two out of three, win both of their games against the Renaissance and defeat three teams in the new ABL
Played in the first professional game at the old Madison Square Garden

Biography:

Thomas Barlow truly played for the love of basketball, playing on at least a dozen professional teams; frequently on two or three teams simultaneously. At six-foot-one and 195 pounds, the then-gigantic Barlow became a strong defender, scorer and rebounder, attaining stardom from 1912 to 1932. Of the many teams he played with, Barlow is most noted for his contributions with the Trenton Tigers of the Eastern League, the SPHAs of the Philadelphia League and the Philadelphia Warriors of the
American Basketball League. While playing for the SPHAs and the Warriors, Barlow played under Hall of Fame Coach Eddie Gottlieb. In 1926, Barlow and the Sphas were among the best in the nation. He helped the SPHAs beat the Original Celtics two out of three, won both of their games against the Renaissance and defeated three teams in the new American Basketball League. Barlow was a legendary figure. While playing at Madison Square Garden with the Trenton Tigers, promoters would display a seven-foot cut-out photograph of Barlow with the wording, "Caveman Barlow plays here tonight." 

Many thanks to Robin Jonathan Deutsch and the Basketball Hall of Fame for the use of this material.

New York Times, September 1983
LAKEHURST -
Thomas B. Barlow, Sr., 87, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, died Monday at Point Pleasant Hospital.   Mr. Barlow was born in Trenton and lived there and in Barlow," played in the first professional basketball game in the old Madison Square Garden when he played with the Philadelphia Warriors from 1926-1932.  He was the building inspector for Trenton for 33 years,  retiring 20 years ago.
He was an Army veteran of World War I, and a member of American Legion Post 93, Trenton.
He was a member of the Bishops Particular Council, a member of the Trenton Select Commission, and a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society in the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Trenton.
Surviving are his wife, the former Mildred Kelty; a son, Thomas B. Jr., Dover Township; a daughter, Barbara , New York, and two grandchildren.
The M. William Murphy Funeral Home, Hamilton-Township, is in charge of arrangements.              Copy of Original Article

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