Streaks Alumni Profile: Barry Cheesman 1977

Today’s “Streaks Alumni Profile” is with Barry Cheesman, GHS Class of 1977. 

Barry is one of the all-time great, multi-sport athletes. He made the varsity as a sophomore on really good basketball and baseball teams. He was a standout on great football teams as a junior and senior. When people talk about outstanding multi-sports athletes- Barry Cheeseman’s name had to be included in the discussion. 

After graduation, Barry went onto to play professional baseball in the New York Yankee organization.

To show what a great athlete Barry was, he made a living in a sport that he didn’t even play in high school. Barry made a career as a professional golfer, and today is an instructor and a coach. 

Barry shared his memories and what he is up to now.  

What are some of your favorite memories from GHS?

My years at GHS were awesome, I have many great memories. Biggest one is meeting my wife of 46 years at GHS. Making the varsity teams in both basketball and baseball as a sophomore. Making the playoffs in football my senior year. It was a great honor of being elected to the GHS Hall of Fame.

You excelled in three sports, then played golf professionally. Do you ever wish you had specialized more in high school?

I’m glad I didn’t specialize.  Your body and mind need a break from each sport. I coach high school golf and golf is a big specialize sport. There are lots of kids that burnout from playing only one sport. 

How close did you get to the MLB?

Didn’t really get close, I played along several future Major Leaguers, Tom Brunansky, World Series rings,  Mike Witt, perfect game with Yankees to name a few.

Tell me about your pro golf career. 

I played for 35 years, 18 years between The PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour. The end is part time playing and teaching. My last tournament was the 2021 Senior PGA Championship. I teach golf full time now at The Longboat Key Club in Sarasota Florida. I have been teaching golf for 16 years now. 
6-Kerry and I live in Sarasota Florida, we have a son, Aaron. He is married to Laura and they have two children, Addison(16) and Jackson(11). We spend our time working and attending our grandkids events. I also am the Varsity Boys golf coach at Sarasota High school.

What advice would you have for today’s Streaks athletes?

Dedicate yourself to whatever you’re doing. Listen to your coaches, be coachable. Remember, you represent yourself, your family, your community and your school, take pride in that!