Kevin Barker
Born: 7/26/1975 in Bristol, VA, USA
MLB Debut: 1999-08-19 | Final Game: 2009-10-04
Bats: L | Throws: L | Height: 6'2" | Weight: 195 lbs
Full name: Kevin Stewart Barker
Biography
Kevin Barker, born in 1975, was a professional baseball player who played as a position player from 1999 until his retirement in 2009. Over the course of his career, he appeared in 126 Major League games, showcasing his talents primarily as a first baseman and designated hitter. Barker recorded a total of 71 hits, contributing to a career batting average of .249. He hit 6 home runs and drove in 36 runs, while also stealing 3 bases, demonstrating a blend of power and speed during his time on the field.
Barker made his Major League debut during an era characterized by a mix of evolving offensive strategies and the early stirrings of advanced analytics in baseball. Although not a superstar, he carved out a niche for himself, known for his solid defensive skills and versatility. His contributions on the field were significant in providing depth to the rosters he played on, including stints with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Cincinnati Reds. After his playing days, Barker’s knowledge of the game led him to transitions in coaching and player development, allowing him to influence the next generation of baseball talent.
Career Batting Statistics
| G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 126 | 285 | 32 | 71 | 12 | 0 | 6 | 36 | 3 | 34 | 65 | 0.249 | 0.328 | 0.354 | 0.683 | -353.7 |
Season-by-Season Batting
| Year | Team | Lg | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | MIL | NL | 38 | 117 | 13 | 33 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 23 | 1 | 9 | 19 | 0.282 | -168.1 |
| 2000 | MIL | NL | 40 | 100 | 14 | 22 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 20 | 21 | 0.220 | -185.6 |
| 2002 | SDP | NL | 7 | 19 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0.158 | 0.0 |
| 2006 | TOR | AL | 12 | 17 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 0.235 | 0.0 |
| 2009 | CIN | NL | 29 | 32 | 2 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 0.281 | 0.0 |
Fielding Statistics
Career Fielding Totals by Position
| Position | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1B | 77 | 65 | 598 | 35 | 3 | 53 |
| OF | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Season-by-Season Fielding
| Year | Team | Pos | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | MIL | 1B | 31 | 29 | 254 | 18 | 1 | 19 |
| 2000 | MIL | 1B | 32 | 29 | 250 | 15 | 2 | 24 |
| 2002 | SDN | 1B | 6 | 5 | 49 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| 2006 | TOR | 1B | 2 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 | TOR | OF | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 | CIN | 1B | 6 | 1 | 32 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
Career Games by Position
| Position | Games |
|---|---|
| First Base | 77 |
| Right Field | 1 |
| Designated Hitter | 5 |
Salary History
| Year | Team | League | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | MIL | NL | $205,000 |
| 1999 | MIL | NL | $200,000 |
| Total Career Earnings | $405,000 | ||
College History
| School Name | City | State | Years Attended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg | VA | 1994, 1995, 1996 |