Known throughout Barbados and the rest of the world as one of the cricketing greats, Desmond Haynes has captured and continues to capture everyone's hearts with his broad smile and keen sense of humour. His cricketing performances were both off an on the pitch as a coach, a mentor, and a highly respected ambassador for his clubs.
Born on February 16th, 1956, he grew up in Holders Hill in Barbados where his cricket activities stemmed.
Cricketing Career
At the age of twenty-two (22) Desmond made his very first international debut for the West Indies against Australia in Trinidad. This began a natural progression of things to follow as he quickly became known to Barbados and the world at large as the finest opening batsman the game of cricket has ever seen.
The 1980s period of the West Indies team saw great successes as Desmond teamed up with his opening batting partner, Gordon Greenidge. These combined forces were able to capture the attention of the crowd as they both scored a total of 5,483 Test runs. This new figure had now exceeded the results of their nearest rivals by approximately 3,000. Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge had a commanding influence on the game for more than thirteen (13) years and were considered to be the most successful opening pair the West Indies have come to know.
Desmond Haynes also played for Middlesex in England and Western Province in South Africa, representing both sides with great distinction. Being the true professional that he was,
Retirement
Desmond's retirement from the world of cricket took place in 1997 after he would have played his last match in 1994. Despite his retirement, his love and passion for the game ran deep as he felt a great amount of obligation to impart upon those still at play, with the necessary information to make their game as effective as possible.
A few of his appointments have included being Chairman of Selectors of the Barbados Cricket Association, President of Carlton Cricket Club, Secretary of the West Indies Players Association and he is currently a Director of the West Indies Cricket Board, where he sits on a West Indies "Win World Cup" Committee, Senator and the Chairman of the National Sports Council.
This former West Indian opening batsman, now avid golfer, spends most of his time on the greens in Barbados.
