Softball great Barry Blanchard passed away this morning, aged 86.

Inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 2013, Barry had a significant history with the sport, having been involved with the Open national programs for 17 years.

His first national appointment came in 1995/1996 with the Open Men’s National team, before taking on the role of Assistant Coach for the Australian Open Women’s team in 1997, a position he held through to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

After a stint as Head Coach of the Italian National Team at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Barry returned to the Australian program as video analyst and selector for the Open Men’s program during the 2009 and 2013 World Championships.

Early last year, Barry arrived at the Aussie Spirit training camp in Sydney to watch the team prepare for the 2020 Olympic Games in Toyko, with the visit leaving a lasting impact on the players and coaches.

Current Aussie Spirit and Penrith Softball Association catcher Taylah Tsitsikronis reflected on Barry’s impact, saying “It’s difficult to find the right words to describe Baz. He was an incredible man. The crazy ideas and drills he came up with show how invested he was in making everyone better athletes.

“Barry meant so much to so many people, and I wouldn’t be half the player I am today without him.”

Former National team coach Charlie Whetu also recalls walking around Blacktown International Sportspark with Barry, when softballers of all ages would approach to say hello, and always be greeted with Barry’s warmth.

“Barry also loved his family,” Whetu said. “We were out for dinner at a Nationals once and the song Butterfly Kisses came on. Barry began to tear up because the song reminded him of his daughter. He was a wonderful husband and father”.

Whetu also credited Blanchard for the opportunity to become a coach and felt privileged to work with him for many years.

Softball Australia Chief Executive Officer Rosie Williams OBE offered her condolences to Barry’s family, including wife Beryl and daughters Joanne and Nerida.