Record Setter Sharon Barr Accentuates Team
4/19/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo pitcher Sharon Barr is from the West Coast however when opposing batters step to the plate they don't necessarily feel like they're at the beach. With the 2010 season under way the Buffalo Bulls softball team has gotten off to a productive start with a 4–6 posting in the Mid-American Conference. Barr's pitching career at UB has been highlighted by numerous record-setting performances. When asked about it however, she emphasized how much her team has meant to her over the years and how she puts the team before herself.
Sharon Barr |
Growing up in Coarsegold, CA, Sharon caught the eye of many college scouts pitching and playing first base for Yosemite High School, including Bakersfield College in California, the University of Kentucky, the University at Buffalo, and the University of Maryland. When asked why she decided on Buffalo, she stated that she lived her whole life in California and felt it was time to start a legacy elsewhere. Sharon admitted that the University of Kentucky was on the top of her list prior to visiting Buffalo and learning about their outstanding business program. Much like Buffalo's excellent business program, Sharon also admitted that she fell in love with the campus in just one visit.
It may seem that every great player in sports history was influenced at some time by someone who has had a prolific career. In Sharon's case this is not true. When asked who her major influence was to begin playing softball Barr responded with an interesting fact. Sharon's sister also played softball and used to pitch as well. One time when her sister had to miss her scheduled pitching lesson Sharon's mother brought her instead. This is where Sharon learned to love pitching. Barr stated, "My sister had to miss her lesson and my mom wasn't going to waste money on it, so I went in her place." Sharon also stated that softball was something that kept the girls in her family together.
When Sharon began her career at UB she had no idea she would be among UB's finest pitchers. In Barr's four-year career she has been able to capture the top spot in UB history for career games pitched (130), and career games started (70). Along with those stats Sharon is second in school history in career innings pitched (607.1), and career strikeouts (349). Barr is third in career wins (30), third in career shutouts (4), and sixth in career ERA (4.57). Other notable stats for single season records include Barr ranking fifth in school history in single season strikeouts (117), and third in single season wins (12), both set this season. There's no doubt that Sharon has produced for UB and is one of the best softball players in recent history.
Even with all the records and stats, Sharon stressed that all her goals here at UB have not been fulfilled. It may seem obvious but Barr said she has wanted to win a MAC championship ever since she enrolled. She also admitted it would be nice to achieve softball pitcher of the year however she would much rather a team-oriented title. Barr doesn't like to get wrapped up in individual stats as it can produce a mental block that can affect her overall play. She considers her teammates as sisters and wants nothing more to see everyone victorious at the Mid-American Conference championships. Barr stated, "To me it's more about the girls on my team. We've been striving for the team title for four years and nothing would make me happier."
Barr admits that in past years, the team hasn't always been optimistic, however this year is different she said. Everyone on the team is focused, giving one hundred percent all the time striving to get better. Sharon is a true competitor and a true teammate. She exemplifies the right attitude day in and day out that most athletes wish they had. There's a buzz in the softball team's dugout this year. Everyone is anticipating the conclusion of the season with an appearance at the MAC championships. Barr has hinted that people may be surprised to see UB on top in May at Akron, Ohio.
Written by: Thomas Graff
