IT is already a rare and remarkable feat for one player to reach 200 games at the same baseball club, even more unique when their son clocks his century of appearances during the same game.
But that’s precisely what is planned to unfold at the Old Aerodrome Ovals when Hawks legend Corey Barbary takes to the batters box for game number 200 alongside his son Lyndsay, who will be on the pitching mound notching his 100th senior match.
“They’ll both be playing C Grade because they want to do this thing together,” said Hawks Club secretary Grant Tilley.
“Then Lyndsay will go on and play B Grade as well.”
Corey debuted for the Hawks in 1999 and has been an integral part of the club in many different facets across four decades.
After a long recovery from a broken leg injury, this weekend’s fixture against the Mallee Bandits marks a personal milestone melded with a meaningful family moment.
“I’m just glad that I have made it that because I’ve had injuries over the years,” Corey said.
“It’s just good to get those 200 games under the belt.”
His son Lyndsay began his playing career with the Hawks at just four years old under his junior development coaching and guidance.
“It’s a real highlight,” Corey said.
“We’ve timed it so we could both do it and it’s really great just to step on the diamond with him for this milestone.”
Lyndsay, now based in Adelaide and playing Division One with East Torrens, returns home regularly to play for the Hawks as part of his rehabilitation from Tommy John (UCL) surgery.
“He comes over and pitches 30 or 40 per game when he can get here,” Tilley said.
“That’s part of his rehab program.”
Corey added: “He’s doing a lot of his rehab back here in Mildura.
“His goal is to be the Division One starter this coming season.”
Corey’s long association with the Hawks includes being a life member, former president and a highly influential junior developer for future generations of baseballers.
“I coached at a club level for several years, also coached charter ball and went to the nationals,” Corey said.
“That was pretty amazing as well being able to coach at that level.”
Corey said one of his career highlights was his time coaching with ex Major League Baseball player Luke Prokopec.
“He was a Hawks boy as well, played for the Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays,” he said.
“That was cool having a guy of that calibre support me.”
Both Corey and his wife Kym have given decades of service to the Hawks’ youth programs.
“As far as juniors are concerned himself and his wife have been priceless,” said Tilley.
“They stuck around for a few more years even after Lyndsay moved on and their input has been incredible.”
Through four decades of change Corey said his adoration for the Hawks has not wavered.
“It’s a family club,” he said.
All my friends are there, and club loyalty is a big thing for us, that’s why it’s been so good.”
“I managed to step on the diamond with my son, his girlfriend, my daughter and her fiancé with all of us in the same team.
“That was pretty cool.”
Tilley said that injury setbacks for the both haven’t dulled the Barbarys’ passion for baseball or for the club.
“I think it’s just love of the game,” Tilley said.
“That’s a cliché, and probably a good name for a movie. But it’s true.”
