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Jim Barr
From BR Bullpen
James Leland Barr
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3", Weight 205 lb.
- School University of Southern California
- High School Lynwood High School
- Debut July 31, 1971
- Final Game October 2, 1983
- Born February 10, 1948 in Lynwood, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Pitcher Jim Barr played college baseball at the University of Southern California, where his teammates included Dave Kingman and Bill Lee. He was drafted five times (by the California Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Minnesota Twins) before finally signing with the San Francisco Giants after being selected by them in the 1970 amateur draft.
The Giants called Barr up from the minors midway through the 1971 season, and he posted a 1-1 record and a 3.57 ERA in 17 appearances out of the bullpen. He joined the team's rotation in the middle of 1972 and, despite never pitching a no-hitter or perfect game, that summer set the record for consecutive batters retired (later tied in 2007 by Bobby Jenks and broken in 2009 by Mark Buehrle). Over the course of two starts, on August 23 and August 29, he retired 41 batters in a row. On August 23rd against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he walked opposing pitcher Bob Moose to lead off the third inning and then retired the final 21 batters to end the game with a 2-hitter. In his next start, he retired the first 20 St. Louis Cardinals in order before Bernie Carbo earned a seventh-inning double. He won that game too, with a complete game 3-hitter.
Barr went on to win at least ten games for the Giants in five straight seasons, from 1973 to 1977. Following the 1978 campaign, he became a free agent and signed with the California Angels. After winning 10 games in his first year with the Angels, 1979, he struggled with arm injuries in 1980 and was released prior to the 1981 season. He then signed with the Chicago White Sox and played part of the year for their Edmonton Trappers farm club before being let go again. He made a big league comeback with the Giants in 1982 and appeared in 53 games in both that season and the next.
Since ending his playing days, Barr was pitching coach at Sacramento State from 1995 to 2010.
Barr's brother, Mark Barr, pitched in the Boston Red Sox chain for a time. In addition, his two daughters, Emmy and Betsy, have both played pro soccer in the WUSA.
