Marty Barrett, a second baseman known for his steady glove and consistent performance, played Major League Baseball primarily with the Boston Red Sox. Born on June 23, 1958, in Arcadia, California, Barrett attended the University of Arizona, where he honed his skills on the diamond before being drafted by the Red Sox in the first round of the 1979 amateur draft.
Barrett made his MLB debut with the Red Sox on September 6, 1982. Over the next several years, he became a fixture in the Boston infield, known for his defensive reliability and ability to get on base. His batting average hovered around the .270 mark for much of his career, and he was particularly adept at making contact, striking out infrequently compared to many of his contemporaries.
One of Barrett's most memorable seasons came in 1986, when he played a crucial role in the Red Sox's journey to the World Series. During the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the California Angels, Barrett was named the series MVP. He batted .367 and was instrumental in helping the Red Sox overcome a 3-1 series deficit to win the pennant. In the World Series against the New York Mets, Barrett continued to perform well, hitting .433 over the seven-game series, although the Red Sox ultimately fell short in a dramatic and heartbreaking fashion.
Barrett's ability to perform under pressure was evident throughout his career. He was known for his situational hitting and was often called upon in clutch situations. His defensive skills were also a significant asset to the Red Sox, as he consistently ranked among the league leaders in fielding percentage for second basemen.
Injuries began to take a toll on Barrett's career in the late 1980s. He struggled with knee problems, which limited his playing time and effectiveness on the field. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure in the clubhouse and continued to contribute when healthy.
After leaving the Red Sox, Barrett had a brief stint with the San Diego Padres in 1991. However, his time with the Padres was short-lived, and he retired from professional baseball following the season. Over his career, Barrett compiled a .278 batting average, with 18 home runs and 314 RBIs.
Barrett's career may not have been filled with the accolades and headlines that some of his peers enjoyed, but he was a dependable and respected player during his time in the majors.
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