[1] Barkley began his career with the Toledo Blue Stockings of the Northwestern League, and was a member of their championship team in 1883.

In March 1886, Browns owner Chris von der Ahe offered Barkley for $1000 to the first team to pay the money.

Billy Barnie was able to have Barkley sign an undated contract with the Baltimore Orioles and wired the asking price to Von der Ahe, but he had already secured a deal with owner of the Pittsburgh Alleghenys, Denny McKnight, and Sam was convinced to play for the Allegheny club instead.

Barkley sued the Association, but they settled out of court with suspension being lifted although the fine stayed in place.

[5] Feldman stalked Barkley, and, at a Kansas City hotel room where he was staying, confronted him and threatened to commit suicide if he did not marry her.

[6] While he initially believed the young woman to be insane, he ultimately wed her, and they soon after had a child named Harold Barkley together.