Clint Barmes, a professional baseball infielder, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his defensive skills and steady presence on the field. Born on March 6, 1979, in Vincennes, Indiana, Barmes attended Indiana State University, where he honed his skills before being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 10th round of the 2000 MLB Draft.
Barmes made his MLB debut with the Rockies on September 5, 2003. Initially, he played a limited role, but by the 2005 season, he had become a regular starter. That year, he gained attention for his offensive performance, particularly in the early months of the season. Barmes hit a memorable walk-off home run on Opening Day against the San Diego Padres, which set the tone for his breakout year. Unfortunately, his season was interrupted by an injury in June when he broke his collarbone in a non-baseball accident. Despite this setback, he finished the season with a respectable .289 batting average, 10 home runs, and 46 RBIs in 81 games.
Over the next few years, Barmes continued to be a reliable player for the Rockies, contributing both offensively and defensively. In 2009, he had one of his best seasons, hitting 23 home runs and driving in 76 runs, while playing primarily at second base. His defensive versatility allowed him to play multiple infield positions, including shortstop and second base, which made him a valuable asset to the team.
In November 2010, Barmes was traded to the Houston Astros in exchange for Felipe Paulino. During his time with the Astros, he served as the team's primary shortstop. Although his offensive numbers were modest, he was recognized for his defensive prowess, providing stability to the Astros' infield.
Barmes signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a free agent in December 2011. He spent three seasons with the Pirates, where he was known for his leadership and defensive skills. In 2012, he played in 144 games, the most in a single season in his career, and helped the Pirates reach the postseason in 2013 and 2014. His experience and steady glove were valuable during the Pirates' playoff runs, even as his offensive production declined.
In 2015, Barmes joined the San Diego Padres, signing a one-year contract. He played in 98 games, primarily as a backup infielder, before being released by the team in November of that year. Following his release, Barmes did not sign with another MLB team, effectively ending his professional playing career.
Throughout his career, Clint Barmes was known for his work ethic and defensive capabilities.
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