'Best you can be.' At West Point Orleans Firebirds' Chris Barr answers his nation's call

BREWSTER —The Orleans Firebirds’ Chris Barr didn't hesitate when his nation called.

The rising junior is first-generation military and a student-athlete at the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

“His life is about sacrifice and that’s his purpose,” Firebirds manager Kelly Nicholson said. “He’s sacrificing for all of us.”

Barr is also really darn good at baseball, and that’s what initially caught the eye of the West Point baseball coaching staff.

'A great fit for me'

“I got recruited for baseball and saw what an opportunity it would be, and after doing some research I felt like it would be a great fit for me,” Barr said. “They have in mind what kind of player they want at the program and hopefully you fit that mold and then be the best you can be.”

For Barr it was a decision made without reservation — it’s become a place he loves.

Every minute of his day is packed with something, be it baseball practice or a class, and that’s built an intense camaraderie. Barr himself is working toward a degree in systems and decision sciences.

Cadets are all required to take a language class, and he is taking Spanish.

Through that, Barr has become close with his instructor Major Orlando Martinez, who is an umpire and considered one of the best of the Hudson Valley Umpires Association.

'We are a brotherhood'

“That’s one of my favorite relationships that’s I’ve formed at West Point,” Barr said. “We are a brotherhood.”

Barr has made a commitment that isn’t taken lightly.

West Point graduates are required to commit to at least five years of active-duty service and three years in Army Reserve. An exemption policy introduced in 2019, however, allows them to defer their military service while playing professional sports, should he choose to pursue baseball.

Former Cape Leaguer Jacob Hurtubise, who played with the Harwich Mariners and Firebirds, became the first to use the new exemption policy this season. The 26-year-old recorded his first hit with the Cincinnati Reds on May 18 after being called up four days earlier.

Plenty of people, fans and players alike, want to talk to the 20-year-old about West Point and what his experience has been like.

A leader of men

Barr’s military obligations ended July 15, and he reported to the Firebirds the same day.

“Chris is exactly the kind of guy we are looking for in the summer,” said Nicholson. “The only question that I ask coaches when they call me is, ‘Is he a good kid?’, and when you have a kid from West Point you don’t even have to ask that question.”

Nicholson would take West Point guys every day and twice on Sunday.

Barr is a tremendous baseball player. He ranked tied second in hits (58), first in batting average (.341), fourth in runs (43) and eighth in RBIs (21) on the Black Knights.

In 11 games with Orleans, Barr has contributed 11 hits, scored nine runs and tallied six RBIs. He’s played center field and second base with a 1.000 percent fielding rate in 27 chances.

Against the Yarmouth-Dennis team, he made two electric plays that Nicholson recalled as Sportscenter Top 10 worthy web gems.

“It’s high energy, it’s high character,” Nicholson said. “We’re so fortunate to have him.”

Nicholson credits Matt Hyde, a scout with the New York Yankees, for tipping him off about Barr.

Flashing a smile

One thing that stands out about Barr aside from his baseball ability is his smile. Whether it’s in the dugout or on base, he’s moments away from flashing one.

Wherever Barr is needed, that is where you will find him, no questions asked.

“I want to bring good energy and a good attitude to any team I go to,” Barr said. “I try and be the guy that everyone enjoys being around and I take pride in being a good teammate and helping others out.”

Allen Gunn covers high school sports for the Cape Cod Times . You can contact him at agunn@gannett.com and follow him on X at @allentgunn.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: 'Best you can be.' At West Point Orleans Firebirds' Chris Barr answers his nation's call