Virgil “Zeke” Barnes

Born in northeastern Kansas in 1897, Virgil Barnes was one of four baseball-playing brothers. The family lived near Circleville, in Jackson County.

At age 18, Virgil followed his brother Jesse into professional baseball, at first briefly. Two years later, Virgil pitched for the acclaimed World’s All-Nation’s Team, a squad assembled to represent various ethnic backgrounds.

During this time, Barnes’ Army reserve unit was activated to fight in World War I in France. Barnes, a private, served as a bugler and messenger. In September 1918, his unit was gassed while under heavy fire. Barnes had to be hospitalized and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Upon discharge from the Army in 1919, Barnes reunited with Jesse on the New York Giants. Under manager John McGraw, Virgil would pitch nine seasons and win 61 games.  He pitched in two World Series, starting game seven of the 1925 classic.

In 1924, he and Jesse — now with the Boston Braves — became the first brothers in major league history to oppose each other as starting pitchers.

After retiring from the Giants in 1928, Virgil returned to his wife and family in Holton. He and his brothers barnstormed and played for a semipro team in Topeka.

In 1938, Barnes moved his family to Wichita. He worked for the city’s recreation department, directing “baseball schools.” In 1944, he opposed Walter Johnson in an

exhibition at Lawrence Stadium.

Barnes died in Wichita in 1961. He is buried in Holton.