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North Shore mom recognized for 30 years of LL service
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| Marcia Barnard accepts a hug from longtime friend and Little League co-worker Becky Richey at the recent district tournament game. Barnard was recognized by the district for her 30 years of volunteer service to the league. |
By JOSH HARDWICK
Members of North Shore Little League softball’s District 17 gave a heartfelt thanks to Marcia Barnard Tuesday night for 30 years of service to the Girls Little League Softball program.
Barnard was recognized in a surprise ceremony preceding the girls’ district softball tournament between Channelview and Sheldon.
Barnard’s career in girls’ softball began as a coach in Lubbock. She and her husband, Jackie, moved to North Shore in the fall of 1974, where she become involved with the North Shore Little League well before her own children started the program.
She continued to work as a coach and as a member of the Little League Ladies’ Auxiliary until she was elected to replace retired Assistant District Administrator Phyllis Barton in 1994, and held that position until her retirement in 2006.
Co-workers within the league commended Barnard for supporting the program well above and beyond what her job title called for. Minor League Coordinator Becky Richey, who had known Barnard for 22 years, recalled how she attended every one of the 17 tournaments in which Richey’s daughter played.
“I’m sure she never really wanted a summer vacation, and had no problem giving up her sick days or working extra duties,” she said. “Sadly, as I remembered our years ago together, I realized that though I spoke with Marcia frequently about things I was unhappy with, I never really thanked her for her hard work for this community.”
District Administrator Ronnie Yates began working with Barnard in 1986. He recalled fondly their frequent trips with the teams, some of which they didn’t return home from until the early hours of the following morning.
For one sectional tournament, Yates reminisced of how the game had been moved first to Beaumont to Lumberton and finally to Jasper due to rainouts. The tournament was finally played at midnight in a rodeo arena that had been hastily prepared for the game. Yates and Barnard did not make it home until 4 a.m.
“Marcia was a hard worker and she hung in there until the job was finished. But she wasn’t always the last one to leave the ballpark, because I was usually right there with her, carrying her books,” Yates said.
Barnard expressed profound gratitude for having been given the opportunity to serve the district and the community through little league softball.
“It’s an honor for me to be here and I thank you all for allowing me to be in Little League for over 30 years. Words cannot express my appreciation for everyone in District 17,” she said. “I’ve met the most wonderful people and some will be lifelong friends.”
Barnard also had a piece of advice for the parents of Little Leaguers. “Cherish your daughters and be there for them. They learn so many life lessons from Little League that will enable them to become productive citizens,” she said.
Although retired, Barnard still loves the game and misses her work with the district. She hopes to retire from her day job next year and one day attend the Girls’ Softball College World Series Tournament in Oklahoma.
Barnard was recognized in a surprise ceremony preceding the girls’ district softball tournament between Channelview and Sheldon.
Barnard’s career in girls’ softball began as a coach in Lubbock. She and her husband, Jackie, moved to North Shore in the fall of 1974, where she become involved with the North Shore Little League well before her own children started the program.
She continued to work as a coach and as a member of the Little League Ladies’ Auxiliary until she was elected to replace retired Assistant District Administrator Phyllis Barton in 1994, and held that position until her retirement in 2006.
Co-workers within the league commended Barnard for supporting the program well above and beyond what her job title called for. Minor League Coordinator Becky Richey, who had known Barnard for 22 years, recalled how she attended every one of the 17 tournaments in which Richey’s daughter played.
“I’m sure she never really wanted a summer vacation, and had no problem giving up her sick days or working extra duties,” she said. “Sadly, as I remembered our years ago together, I realized that though I spoke with Marcia frequently about things I was unhappy with, I never really thanked her for her hard work for this community.”
District Administrator Ronnie Yates began working with Barnard in 1986. He recalled fondly their frequent trips with the teams, some of which they didn’t return home from until the early hours of the following morning.
For one sectional tournament, Yates reminisced of how the game had been moved first to Beaumont to Lumberton and finally to Jasper due to rainouts. The tournament was finally played at midnight in a rodeo arena that had been hastily prepared for the game. Yates and Barnard did not make it home until 4 a.m.
“Marcia was a hard worker and she hung in there until the job was finished. But she wasn’t always the last one to leave the ballpark, because I was usually right there with her, carrying her books,” Yates said.
Barnard expressed profound gratitude for having been given the opportunity to serve the district and the community through little league softball.
“It’s an honor for me to be here and I thank you all for allowing me to be in Little League for over 30 years. Words cannot express my appreciation for everyone in District 17,” she said. “I’ve met the most wonderful people and some will be lifelong friends.”
Barnard also had a piece of advice for the parents of Little Leaguers. “Cherish your daughters and be there for them. They learn so many life lessons from Little League that will enable them to become productive citizens,” she said.
Although retired, Barnard still loves the game and misses her work with the district. She hopes to retire from her day job next year and one day attend the Girls’ Softball College World Series Tournament in Oklahoma.
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