Steve Barwick, the former Glamorgan cricketer, has died at the age of 65. Tributes have been paid to the “legendary” Welsh sporting figure and much-loved character.
Career highlights
Barwick, affectionately known as “Baz”, was one of the defining players of Glamorgan’s teams during the 1980s and 1990s. He took 456 first-class wickets and a further 312 in List A cricket during a distinguished career.
Born in Neath on September 6, 1960, Barwick progressed through Welsh Schools and the Glamorgan Colts before making his first-class debut in 1981. He initially bowled as a fast-medium seamer before reinventing himself as an off-cutter specialist, a change which made him one of the most effective limited-overs bowlers in the county game.
Key role in 1993 title win
Barwick played a crucial role in Glamorgan's Sunday League title triumph in 1993. In the title decider against Kent at Canterbury, his dismissal of West Indies great Carl Hooper proved particularly significant, with the batter eventually caught attempting to work one of Barwick's deliveries through the leg side.
His career-best first-class figures came against Worcestershire at New Road in 1983, when he claimed 8-42. He also took 6-28 against Derbyshire in a List A match in 1993. His extraordinary accuracy was demonstrated in 1994 when he bowled 65.2 overs against Somerset at Swansea, including a club-record 29 maidens.
Tributes from club and teammates
Glamorgan confirmed that Barwick had died on Tuesday, August 11, and revealed that he had been inducted into the club's Hall of Fame last year. Chief executive Dan Cherry paid tribute to his former team-mate, describing him as one of the club's “legendary characters”.
“Everyone at Glamorgan County Cricket Club is saddened to hear this news,” Cherry said. “Steve was one of the legendary characters in the Club during the 1980s and 1990s, and he was a key member of the Glamorgan team that lifted the Sunday League title in 1993.”
Cherry also revealed his personal connection with Barwick, having played alongside him at Gowerton. “As an aspiring young player I had the opportunity to play club cricket alongside Baz at Gowerton for five years and he was always generous with his time and always gave me great advice,” he said.
Barwick's former Glamorgan team-mate Robert Croft paid tribute on social media. “So sad to hear of Steve’s passing. Old school character on and off the field. Very talented player and a wonderful teammate,” Croft wrote. Former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell replied: “Good cricketer top character very sad news.” Former England coach David “Bumble” Lloyd also posted: “Such sad news.”
Llanelli Cricket Club described Barwick as a Glamorgan “legend” and recalled his time as the club's allocated professional in the mid-1980s. Briton Ferry Steel Cricket Club, where he was a former captain, also remembered him, saying: “A great man, loving father and grandfather. Rest in peace Baz, thanks for the memories.”
