The Marley Boys

by Lou Belcourt

The Marley family of Phelpston have a rich and extensive history of sporting achievement in Springwater Township and surrounding area. Though several members participated in multiple sports, both competitively and recreationally, the sports of hockey and fastball dominated. In addition to participation, their involvement as builders was noteworthy. The purpose of this submission is to digitally chronicle and archie their sporting story.  Enjoy their family's unique and remarkable sporting history. 

 

 

 

Background:

The Marley children consisting of nine boys and five girls were born and raised in Phelpston, a village in Springwater Township. All fourteen children resided in the homestead until they reached adulthood. Though very challenging to provide for such a large family, parents Frank and Bertile were able to meet the needs to enable their sons to participate in athletic endeavours. Frank and Bertile willingly made the necessary sacrifices. The girls, though non- participatory were very supportive and proud of their siblings.

Beginnings:

The boys began skating and playing hockey at a homemade rink, built across the road by their father. Spending endless hours of playing with other Phelpston boys, they continuously developed their skills. Joe, Bill, Peter, Pat, Jim and Paul would eventually join Elmvale Minor Hockey where they would excel and bring much success to their respective teams. Also playing Junior Ball for Phelpston and Anten Mills Teams in the Vespra Junior League eventually resulted in diamond success at the Junior, Intermediate and Senior levels.

Hockey:

A number of the boys played minor hockey in the Elmvale Minor Hockey system. At the Juvenile level they won six Ontario championships. This truly is, likely an unmatched amateur, amazing accomplishment.

• Joe -  1955-56-  Elmvale Juvenile  O.M.H.A. Champions
• Bill-     1958-59- Elmvale Juvenile O.M.H.A. Champions
• Peter- 1964-65- 1965-66 Elmvale Juvenile O.M.H.A. Champions
• Paul- 1965-66- 1966-67 Elmvale Juvenile O.M H.A Champions

Other noted hockey achievements:

• Bill joined the military (R.C.A.F.) Representing his current Base he competed nationally and internationally. From 1965 to 1970 he played International hockey with Canadian Armed Forces while stationed in Germany.
• 1961-62 -Peter was a member of Elmvale Bantams when they were victorious in winning the little N.H.L. championship, defeating Cannington in the final.
• Pat and Paul competed at the Junior "C" level, Pat with Collingwood Shipbuilders and Paul with Midland Braves.
• 1969-70- Paul, played for Midland Flyers when they won the O.H.A. Intermediate "A" championship.
• 1971-75- Paul played for Elmvale Intermediate "C" teams.
• Joe, Peter, Pat, Paul and Jim playing for the Phelpston, Sexton Mechanical teams as they won several championships in the Elmvale and District Senior League.

• Paul- Elmvale Merchants- Barrie Intermediate League Champions for four consecutive years in the 1970's.
• Paul-1977- Elmvale Merchants O.A.S.A. Int ."C" champions defeating Hearst, the Northern Ont. champions.
• Paul- Elmvale Merchants- Barrie Intermediate League Champions for four consecutive years in the 1970's.
• Paul-1977- Elmvale Merchants O.A.S.A. Int ."C" champions defeating Hearst, the Northern Ont. champions.
   

Builders:

• Leo Marley was instrumental in supporting, coordinating and facilitating sporting activities in the Phelpston and Elmvale area. Leo was an avid curler, but it was as a builder that Leo was a sports force, especially as leader of the Phelpston Recreational Committee. Through retired N.H.L. player Mike Gartner, Leo applied and received a grant from N.H.L Players Association to provide Boards and Screens for the Ed Valender Phelpston rink. Leo organized fund raising events to support Phelpston recreation activities. If there was a sporting event in Phelpston he was likely spearheading it.
• Paul Marley was very instrumental in the founding, development and success of the Barrie Baycats.
• Paul as owner of Sexton Mechanical sponsored Springwater Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, sports teams and community events.
• Paul and Joe- Coached and managed minor ball and hockey teams in Elmvale
• Paul and Leo served on Elmvale Curling Club executives as President and Secretary respectively.
   

Noteworthy:

• 1960- Joe won Barrie Senior Fastball League's M.V.P. award.
• Paul is an inductee in the three Hall of Fames- Springwater, Midland and Barrie. Joe, Bill and Peter are also Springwater Inductees in the team category.