Babe Barna
Born: 3/2/1915 in Clarksburg, WV, USA
Died: 5/18/1972 in Charleston, WV, USA
MLB Debut: 1937-06-16 | Final Game: 1943-07-28
Bats: L | Throws: R | Height: 6'2" | Weight: 210 lbs
Full name: Herbert Paul Barna
Biography
Babe Barna, born in 1915, was a professional baseball player who made his mark in Major League Baseball from 1937 until 1943. Primarily playing as a position player, Barna's career spanned several pivotal years leading up to and during World War II, a time when many athletes enlisted and the talent pool in the league was notably affected. Over the course of his career, he appeared in 207 games, compiling a total of 154 hits, 12 home runs, and 96 RBIs, with a batting average of .232. His ability to contribute both at the plate and on the base paths was evidenced by his 9 stolen bases.
Barna's playing style reflected the evolving nature of baseball during the late 1930s and early 1940s. While he may not have been among the most celebrated stars of his era, his versatility and dedication to the game allowed him to carve out a respectable career amidst the challenges of the time. Despite not being known for a high batting average, his contributions were significant in a league characterized by fierce competition and a shift in player demographics due to the war. Barna's legacy remains a part of the rich tapestry of baseball history, showcasing the spirit and tenacity of players during a transformative period in the sport.
Career Batting Statistics
| G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 207 | 664 | 88 | 154 | 22 | 9 | 12 | 96 | 9 | 76 | 98 | 0.232 | 0.311 | 0.346 | 0.657 | -186.3 |
Season-by-Season Batting
| Year | Team | Lg | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1937 | PHA | AL | 14 | 36 | 10 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 0.389 | 0.0 |
| 1938 | PHA | AL | 9 | 30 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 0.133 | 0.0 |
| 1941 | NY1 | NL | 10 | 42 | 5 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0.214 | 0.0 |
| 1942 | NY1 | NL | 104 | 331 | 39 | 85 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 58 | 3 | 38 | 48 | 0.257 | 319.9 |
| 1943 | BOS | AL | 30 | 112 | 19 | 19 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 2 | 15 | 24 | 0.170 | -324.9 |
| 1943 | NY1 | NL | 40 | 113 | 11 | 23 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 3 | 16 | 9 | 0.204 | -324.9 |
Fielding Statistics
Career Fielding Totals by Position
| Position | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1B | 1 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| OF | 175 | 0 | 305 | 12 | 10 | 2 |
Season-by-Season Fielding
| Year | Team | Pos | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1937 | PHA | 1B | 1 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 1937 | PHA | OF | 9 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 1938 | PHA | OF | 7 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 1941 | NY1 | OF | 10 | 0 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 1942 | NY1 | OF | 89 | 0 | 169 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| 1943 | BOS | OF | 29 | 0 | 44 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 1943 | NY1 | OF | 31 | 0 | 58 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Career Games by Position
| Position | Games |
|---|---|
| First Base | 1 |
| Left Field | 163 |
| Right Field | 12 |
College History
| School Name | City | State | Years Attended |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University | Morgantown | WV | 1935, 1936, 1937 |