Oak Forest’s Barry sets state HR, RBI marks

Updated: May 7, 2011 5:52PM

Oak Forest’s Tim Barry became the most prolific home run hitter in Illinois prep history on Friday afternoon, hitting his 50th career homer in the Bengals’ 11-5 win over Bremen in Oak Forest.

Barry hit a two-run shot in the top of the fifth to break a tie with Odin’s Curtis Parrish, who slugged 49 homers from 2000-03. Barry also set the state career record for RBI with 195, one more than Greenville’s Stefan Neece from 2002-05.

“The crowd went nuts,” Oak Forest coach Thad Gatton said. “Everyone went crazy.”

‘‘I felt relieved after it happened,’’ Barry said. But now I’m more focused on making sure no one breaks it.’’

Barry had tied the homer record when he hit four in a Wednesday doubleheader against T.F. North. He had one more at-bat in the nightcap and Gatton asked the senior if he’d like to leave the game in order to set the record at home.

“He said, ‘I’ll bunt in my last at-bat,’” Gatton said. “He laid down the most perfect push bunt.”

Barry was 1-for-2 with a hit by pitch Thursday against Argo, but ended the suspense a day later.

“It was kind of like the elephant in the room.’’ Gatton said. ‘‘I think we’re both kind of happy it’s over with. I have no doubt it’s a burden off his shoulders.”

Barry entered the game tied for the home run record and one behind the RBI mark.

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