Image Credit: San Diego Union Tribune
(North County Beat) – After nearly half a century of dedication, Dave Barrett, the iconic head baseball coach of Oceanside High School, has announced his retirement at the age of 71. Barrett, who began his coaching career at Oceanside High in 1978, also served as an assistant football coach for 28 years and the school’s athletic director for 14 years. His influence on the school’s athletic program and the lives of countless students has been immeasurable.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Barrett said, “People always said you’d know when it was time to retire, and it’s time. Coaching is an all-in deal, physically and mentally. It’s what your players deserve. For me, it got more and more challenging to be all-in. So it’s time to pass the torch.”
Despite stepping down, Barrett isn’t completely walking away. He plans to stay involved in the baseball program, assisting with scheduling and continuing to coordinate the Pirate Classic, a premier early-season baseball tournament in the area. Oceanside’s athletic director, Brad Hollingsworth, praised Barrett’s commitment, stating, “That’s the kind of guy Dave Barrett is. He wants the transition to be smooth. He wants what’s best for the new coach and for the players. I was fortunate to shadow him for a year before I was named athletic director. That time was invaluable. I saw how he worked, how he treated people — kids, teachers, administrators, other coaches. Saw how organized he was despite having multiple balls in the air. And I’ve tried to pattern what I do after what I learned from him.”
Barrett’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career, during which he accumulated an overall baseball record of 656-635-14, captured seven league championships, and made three trips to the CIF San Diego Section championships. Though his teams didn’t clinch a CIF title, his win total ranks fourth all-time in the county, trailing only legends like Sam Blalock, Manny Hermosillo, and Dennis Pugh.
Beyond baseball, Barrett was a pivotal figure in Oceanside’s football program, serving as the defensive coordinator for 16 seasons. During his tenure, the team won state championships in 2007 and 2009, and he was part of John Carroll’s staff for all 13 CIF San Diego Section titles. Carroll described Barrett as “a winner, a champion, and a compadre,” adding, “He is just an exceptional person. He has worked with kids year-round in multiple sports. His ability to manage the athletic department, handling any situation that came up, while working with baseball and football was incredible. And the kids loved playing for him. He was an incredible defensive coordinator, such a big part of our success. And of all the people I’ve worked with, Dave was the best clock manager ever. He was a student of the game, a great coach, but more importantly, a brother in arms.”
A former player at Oceanside High School, MiraCosta College, and Cal Lutheran, Barrett plans to keep active in his retirement by continuing his music, serving his church, and participating in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His granddaughter Manna, who grew up in Japan, is now living with the Barretts to graduate from Oceanside High School.
Barrett reflects fondly on his career, saying, “My fondest memories are seeing kids grow up, seeing them turn into men, husbands, fathers, members of society. Not having the day-to-day grind will be an adjustment, but I’ll manage. People say I impacted kids. But they impacted me, too.”
