John Barrett was a professional baseball player who played during the early years of Major League Baseball. His career spanned from September 18, 1872, to October 31, 1872, a brief yet significant period in the formative days of the sport. As a position player, Barrett participated in 8 games, where he recorded 7 hits and 2 runs batted in (RBIs). His batting average stood at .206, reflecting the challenges faced by players during this early era, which was characterized by evolving offensive strategies and the development of more organized team play.
Though Barrett did not hit any home runs, he demonstrated his speed on the basepaths with 1 stolen base, showcasing the emerging emphasis on base running in the game. Although his career was short-lived, Barrett's participation in the early stages of professional baseball highlights the foundational years of the sport, a time when players were still establishing the norms and practices that would shape baseball for generations to come.