Notre Dame Players Are Taught in Barrett Tones

Many coaches like to think of their team as a family. But when Notre Dame High’s John Barrett makes the comparison, it’s difficult to argue.

Barrett, 26, is in his second season as the Knights’ baseball coach. His brother Jim, 28, is his assistant, and their father, Jim Sr., serves as unofficial assistant.

“I took the job on the condition that my brother was a paid assistant,” said John, who coached the school’s junior varsity for two years. “It’s been great, the whole family shows up at all the games.”

Over the years, the Barretts have seen countless Notre Dame baseball games.

Jim Sr. was graduated from Notre Dame in 1952 and each of his three sons played baseball there. Jim Jr. was graduated in 1975, John in 1977, and Dennis, who plays for Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore., finished in 1981.

Under Jack McDowell in 1984, Notre Dame was ranked No. 1 in the nation most of the season by USA Today. Yet John said that he felt no pressure in accepting the position.

Last year, John guided the Knights to a 16-6 record and a first-place finish in the Del Rey League. Things have not gone smoothly this season, however. Notre Dame is 4-7 and 0-3 in league.

Nevertheless, John said he did not regret taking the job.

“Notre Dame has always had a soft spot in my heart,” he said. “I consider it a great honor to have the opportunity to coach there.”

So far, John said he has not has any problems coaching with his brother, but he believes that Jim might be getting the better end of the deal.

“I’m the tough one as far as being the strict disciplinarian,” John said. “Jim has great rapport with the players and the parents. He serves as the middle man between me and the players.”