It is with great sadness that Softball NSW wishes to inform everyone that Barry Blanchard passed away earlier this morning. 

A stalwart of softball within and outside Australia for many decades together, Barry started his career at Western Districts Softball Association. He played as a pitcher before also going on to coach club and representative teams in the association. Barry achieved State selection as Administrator in 1988, and later got appointed as Assistant Coach of NSW Open Men's team in 1989. Bigger achievements came his way not long after, with him going on to serve as Head Coach of the NSW Open Men's team from 1990 until 1995, followed immediately by a longer tenure as Head Coach of the NSW Open Women's team until 2002. Barry made his mark at the global level on several occasions with various Australian teams as well as the Italian team at the 2004 Athens Olympics. At the age of 74, Barry travelled with the Australian Open Men's team to Canada as their Scout/Video Analyst.

Another notable highlight of his glorious career included his term as the Head Coach of the NSW Under 16 Girls' team, guiding them to become undefeated National Champions in 2008.

Barry became the Life Member of both Penrith Softball Club as well as Penrith City Softball Association in 2010. Softball Australia inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 2013, while in 2021, he was inducted into Softball NSW’s Hall of Fame at the Softball NSW Awards.

Beyond his incredible list of achievements and successes in Softball, Barry Blanchard was beloved by players and coaches alike, to whom he constantly gave his time to share his knowledge, skills and drills. He was someone everyone in the community looked up to as well as greatly enjoyed spending time with, while learning about the sport he loved the most. 

Softball NSW would like to extend its sincerest condolences and thoughts to Barry's family, friends and everyone who knew him. 

Family & Friends are invited to join the Blanchard family for a service on Friday 11th March 2022 at 10.30 am. Venue: St Nicholas of Myra Church, 326 High St, Penrith

Following the service, a celebration of his life will be held @ Penrith Golf Club from 12 pm - All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations to Dementia Research are greatly appreciated.