Coach Tony Barbaro

Tony Barbaro brings over 16 years of coaching experience to the NEA Wildcats, combining his deep baseball knowledge with a disciplined, values-driven approach to player development. He began his coaching journey with seven years at the recreational level before becoming the head coach for the Windham Wildcats' inaugural 14U team in 2016.

In 2018 he transitioned to assistant coach under Jim Bail. After the team’s journey together ended in 2019, Tony returned to the head coaching role and currently leads the 13U Elite Team, a roster he has coached for the past five years. In the summer of 2024, he also seved as head coach for the Northeast Wildcats 15U team.

A graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School and UMASS Dartmouth, Tony is a certified MBUA umpire since 1993 and has been officiating high-level baseball for over 30 years. His umpiring background—spanning high school championships, American Legion semi-finals and state finals, as well as college-level games—gives him a unique perspective on the rules, nuances, and respect the game requires. He currently serves as President and Umpire-in-Chief for his town’s Cal Ripken League.

Tony’s coaching philosophy centers around Preparation, Work Ethic, and Respect. He believes that preparation builds confidence to execute, work ethic drives improvement, and respect—for teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials—builds character. He holds his players accountable by setting individualized expectations and helps them grow by encouraging consistent progress, not comparison.

Tony’s favorite moments on the field stem from seeing hard work pay off—During the NE 9U Championship game where a perfectly executed cutoff play stopped a key run and helped clinch the championship. This example shows how no matter the age, coaching and player development are forever linked.

As a coach, he emphasizes positive reinforcement, accountability, and emotional composure, always leading by example to model teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

Off the field, Tony enjoys life with his wife Debbie and their three children: Olivia (25), Nicholas (22), and Alyssa (17). His son Nicholas now coaches alongside him, continuing the family’s passion for the game. Fun fact: whether coaching or umpiring, Tony only wears cleats every time he steps on a baseball field—because to him, it’s always game time.