Gerry Barton (Coach Gerry), has been an active and inspirational player and coach in the ECSA for well over 20 years. Gerry first started playing in the ECSA in the mid 80's. He was not a starter but a "bench player" as he puts it, for his first couple of years. However, he did not begrudge his time on the bench but used it to gain knowledge of the game and a love of his fellow league members, and he learned to never, never, never quit. After gaining valuable experience playing, Gerry helped build the league and started a brand new team for the ECSA, "Changes" . Gerry not only brought a new sponsor to the organization, but also served as a player and coach to that team. His efforts were rewarded as Changes went on to achieve a first place finish in their division and earned a spot in the NAGAAA Softball World Series in Philadelphia in 1993. Gerry has taken teams with no experience (often taking brand new players to the league and to the sport) and through his phenomenal patience and coaching style has taken those players to much greater skill level. Many of those players that Gerry has introduced to softball/ECSA have gone on to win All-Star, Most Improved and divisional MVP awards along the way. He has also coached players who have possessed a skill of the game and coached them to a new level of competitiveness. Although, Gerry has shown himself to be a fierce competitor , coach and player on the field, his most valuable and respected trait has to be - no matter what the final score is, he always stays positive and maintains a spirit of sportsmanship and friendship above all else. He has been a role model and mentor for new coaches and teams throughout the history of this organization. Exemplifying this is very easy when you look a the number of sportsmanship awards Gerry's teams have won through the years.
Gerry started competing as a player/coach for Changes in 1993. Then, from 1997 to 2008, Gerry acted as coach/player with the Prowlers, Shooters, Pythons and Pirates. In 2001, Gerry became only the second ESCA member to coach two teams in one season. In 2006, Gerry took the Pirates to 1st place and continued on to the World Series in Fort Lauderdale. Gerry also was a pickup player for the 2001 World Series in San Francisco and again in 2007 in Phoenix.
In addition to GSWS teams, Gerry has actively represented the ECSA on tournament teams across the country.
A few notable tournament accomplishments include:
Gerry coached/played with the Seattle Stroke in the 40 and over "Windy City Senior Tournament" in Chicago. This was the first year Seattle attended the tournament, the Stroke surprised the cities that were long time participants by marching their way to second place! He was also the coach of the Prowlers third place finish in the San Diego Autumn Classic in 1999. (This win would prove to be an amazing inspiration to many of the players on that team and the teams watching - many of which are now/still playing and coaching their own teams in the ECSA and other NAGAAA leagues.) He as also played in NAGAA tournaments in Palm Springs, San Francisco, Portland and other cities.
Gerry has also been honored numerous times as an MVP for his teams, Coach of the Year and All-Star Player of the year.
Gerry has served the league by volunteering countless hours and constantly works to grow the league. Gerry Barton has been in the league a long time and has attended many board representative meetings, fundraisers, skills clinics and special organizational meetings. He has never been one who relished the spotlight or one who would demand that his voice be heard, but instead enjoys being a quiet source of inspiration and learning to his friends and teammates. Most notably, Gerry is a gentle giant of the ECSA and a member who reflects the qualities of sportsmanship, softball and friendship. Gerry's gentle giant attitude has been an indispensable resource to many novice and skilled players alike. He has helped teammates gain a sense of accomplishment, confidence and pride. No matter what the level of competition, Gerry values and remains a friend both on and off the field.
For more than 20 years, this league has had the privilege to play with, against and for Gerry Barton. Gerry Barton truly exemplifies what this league's basic mission is all about - Sportsmanship, Community, Competition and Lasting Friendships. He is indeed worth of not only admittance into the ECSA Hall of Fame, but also our continued respect and admiration.
ECSA Season Team Participation
ECSA Teams Coached:
NAGAA World Series: