Midland’s Barry Russell Picks up 700th Win

Midland High’s Head Baseball Coach Barry Russell picked up his 700th win on April 7 when his Midland High Bulldogs defeated Odessa Permian 8-0.  This is Coach Russell’s 21st year as Midland’s Baseball Coach and 31st overall with previous stints at La Pryor and Victoria Stroman.

Russell’s current overall record of 701-339 ranks 5th among all active baseball coaches in Texas and 2nd among 6A coaches.

Under Russell, Midland High has made the playoffs for 19 consecutive years with 10 District Championships, 2 State Tournament appearances and a 5A State Championship in 2001.   The 19 consecutive years in the playoffs is the 4th longest among current 6A teams.

“I’ve been extremely lucky, fortunate, whatever you want to call it,” Russell explained. “I’ve had great players and great coaches that did this.  I don’t recall hitting, catching or throwing a ball in any game, so it’s pretty obvious who won those games.  I was asked once what was the reason for our success. I really don’t have an answer for that other than I probably hate to lose more than I like to win. I had two older brothers when I was growing up and they constantly made me compete and loved beating me. So that’s where I probably get that hate to lose mentality.”

Coach Russell has also been active in the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association since 1999 serving on the THSBCA Board and holding several offices within the association.  He currently serves as the President Elect and will be the THSBCA President in 2018.

THSB congratulates Coach Barry Russell on achieving this incredible milestone!

Coaching History

La Pryor	1986-1989	73-39
Victoria Stroman	1990-1996	113-70
Midland	1997-Present	515-230
	31 Years	701-339

Coach Russell with Grandsons and their “Coach Pa 700 Career Wins” Shirts”

 

-Tim Baugh

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