Don Barbara (1998) - Hall of Fame - Long Beach State University Athletics

Don Barbara

Induction:
1998

One of the "original Dirtbags," Barbara played two years for the 49ers (1989, 1990) and was a first team All-American at first base in 1990 by both Baseball America and by ABCA/Converse. He was a part of the 1989 team which advanced to the 49ers first-ever College World Series. In 1990 Barbara was selected as the Big West Conference Player of the Year after leading the nation with his .474 batting average. His 102 hits in that season was a 49er school-record, until it was broken by three players during the 1998 campaign. His .429 career batting average still ranks first on the 49er chart and his 27 doubles in 1990 is still a school record for a single season. Barbara was drafted in the 24th Round of the 1990 draft by the then-California Angels. He played professional baseball though 1995 when he played for the Pawtucket Red Sox. He coached seven years with the program.