Westside High School baseball coaching legend Gerald Barnes told The Augusta Chronicle today he will remain at the field that bears his name. Despite an offer to coach baseball at Lakeside, Barnes will continue to lead the Patriots on the baseball diamond.

Lakeside tapped junior varsity coach T.J. Davis to lead the varsity squad.

Barnes, who said he plans to retire from teaching at the end of the week, also will step down from coaching football. He will return in the fall to teach part-time.

Westside dedicated its baseball field Friday night to Barnes. He owns a 684-216 record (most wins in Georgia history) along with two state championships and 17 region titles.

Reach Chris Gay at 706-823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com