Larry Barber needed only a few strides from his front yard on Patterson Way to reach the north end zone of the original Berlin High School football field. He was an athlete for all seasons, as he played football, basketball and baseball for all four years. Whether it was on a field, court or diamond, he was truly home at the school’s major sports venues.

Barber, a member of the 1963 graduation class and the Richard Patterson Award recipient that year, was the starting quarterback and a senior football co-captain. In basketball he was the team’s sharpshooter. In baseball he was the pitching ace and an outfielder when he wasn’t on the mound. “He had a great arm,” said baseball and football teammate Tom Trevethan. “He was hard to hit because he threw a heavy ball that dove into your hands. It was tough for hitters to make solid contact.”

After high school, Barber was a top softball player in the slow-pitch Town League for almost 20 years with the East Berlin Volunteer Fire Department team. He soon retired his spikes. In 1998 he moved with his wife Jackie and son Danny to Jupiter, Florida, where golf would be his sport of choice.

Four years ago, he suffered a stroke, which affected his speech and the right side of his body. It never shattered his spirit, though. He refused to let it end his sports participation. “When Larry started his rehab, he still was able to putt,” said Jackie. his wife of 38 years. “That was so important.”

Many hours of physical rehabilitation, bolstered by determination, helped Barber get back on the course. He adapted and learned to use his left side more as the power source for his swing.

He typically plays two, 18-hole rounds each week at the Golf Club of Jupiter, where he has a 10-handicap. Remaining active in sports remains a constant in his life”. When he received the call with his [BHS Athletic HOF] acceptance, he broke out with a huge smile and feels deeply honored and grateful,” Jackie said.  “These were some of the best days of his life” and touched his heart in a most sensitive way. He is a very humble man, but he is so proud to think this is happening to him”.