Roland (Cuke) Barrows of Gorham had a green thumb as a florist and great hands as a major league outfielder.
His tremendous range in centerfield didn't reach full potential.
Barrows, who played part of four seasons (1909-1912) with the Chicago White Sox, suffered a broken ankle in the spring of 1913.
His renowned speed was reduced considerably. Oddly, Barrows’ injury didn't discourage the management of Rochester, N.Y., Of the International League. Aware that Barrows had blasted 11 hits in 1/7 at bats before the damaging slide into third base in a training camp game, Rochester Signed Barrows to a 1914 contract -- at an increase in Salary.
Rochester had sent the hustling Barrows home after the mishap, paying his traveling expenses, and paying three-quarters of his season's salary.
Despite such high regard, Barrows several times tried to gain his release from Rochester. He was successful in 1915.
BarrowS was permitted to sign as manager of Lowell, Mass., of the New England League.
Born in the "Egypt" section of Raymond in 1883, Barrows walked, or rather, ran, five miles daily to attend Pennell Institute of Gray.
His early ball was played for “Pop” Williams’ Pine Tree team and .the Portland Blue Sox of the State League.
Oddly,. his nickname didn't stem from a farm background (his Dad was a charcoal burner who took his product to Portland), but rather from poise under major league pitching fire.
Sports writers and fans termed the "Man from Maine” as ‘cool as a cucumber."
About 1916, Barrows purchased the Gorham greenhouses which still bear his name. He and wife Marietta were widely-known florists. He died in 1955, she in 1956.
They had no children.
Cuke Barrows
Position: Leftfielder
Bats: Right • Throws: Left
5-8, 158lb (173cm, 71kg)
Born: October 20, 1883 in Gray, ME us
Died: February 10, 1955 (Aged 71-113d) in Gorham, ME
Buried: Eastern Cemetery, Gorham, ME