When Arizona’s schools were shut down for the rest of the school year, it brought a premature end to the season for spring sports teams throughout the state — including Sedona Red Rock High School’s baseball team. But while the COVID-19 pandemic ended what looked to be a promising season, most of the Scorpions will return to the diamond in 2021. One player who will not is senior Cooper Barber.
Barber was in his fourth year with the SRRHS baseball team and was one of only two seniors on the roster. Barber expressed some definite frustration in looking back on his senior season that wasn’t. But he also had a positive outlook on the time that he had beforehand.
“For sure it sucks,” Barber said. “But I’ve had three really good years with all of those guys. It sucks that I won’t get another chance but I can always come back, watch those guys and hang out with them next year during the season.”
In his abbreviated final season, Cooper hit only .222 but still got on base effectively for the Scorpions, recording a .462 OBP. Barber was also the starting pitcher in Sedona’s March 3 victory over Mayer, going the full seven innings, allowing only one unearned run with one hit and one walk in the winning effort.
Barber was also left with a good last memory with the Scorpions, when their 15-6 win over Joseph City on March 5 ended up being the team’s last game.
Barber went 0-for-1 but drew two walks and scored a run for Sedona.
In Barber’s freshman year, he got to be teammates with his older brother, Dawson Barber, who graduated from SRRHS as part of the Class of 2017.
As he grew older, Barber’s role with the team expanded. Being a four-year player and one of only two seniors on the roster gave Barber a natural leadership role with the Scorpions, a role he welcomed.
“I like being a leader, especially on the baseball team,” Barber said. “Being able to help the younger kids, the freshmen, being able to play with them, be a leader, show them the ropes and have fun with them.”
In addition to his time with the SRRHS baseball team, Barber has also been a member of the Mountain Bike Club team throughout his time at the school. That stems from his love of riding bikes, an activity which he picked up roughly eight years ago.
Outside of sports, Barber said that his interests include hanging out with his family and friends — something he acknowledged is difficult to do in the time of quarantine.
As for what the future holds, Barber said that he’ll likely attend Northern Arizona University next fall, working towards a career in sports management. So, while the COVID-19 pandemic did end his career as a competitive baseball player, a lifetime in sports could well await Cooper — though what that exact role will be remains to be determined.
“I’d like to try to get into [pro sports] — that’s something I’d like to do,” he said. “Not [any job] in particular. Just anything, really.”
