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Rex Barney, a right-handed pitcher known for his blazing fastball, played in Major League Baseball primarily with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Born on December 19, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, Barney's baseball journey began in his teenage years. His talent on the mound quickly caught the attention of scouts, and he signed with the Dodgers organization.
Barney's major league debut
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Rex Barney, a right-handed pitcher known for his blazing fastball, played in Major League Baseball primarily with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Born on December 19, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, Barney's baseball journey began in his teenage years. His talent on the mound quickly caught the attention of scouts, and he signed with the Dodgers organization.
Barney's major league debut came at the young age of 18. His early career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the military. Upon returning to baseball, he rejoined the Dodgers and began to establish himself as a pitcher with immense potential. His fastball was his most potent weapon, often leaving batters struggling to keep up.
The 1948 season was a standout year for Barney. He achieved a career highlight by pitching a no-hitter against the New York Giants on September 9, 1948, at Ebbets Field. This performance solidified his reputation as a pitcher capable of dominating opposing lineups. That season, he recorded 15 wins, the highest in his career, and posted a 3.10 ERA, showcasing his ability to control games from the mound.
Despite his talent, Barney's career was marred by inconsistency and control issues. He often struggled with walks, which hindered his ability to maintain a steady presence in the Dodgers' rotation. These control problems were a significant factor in his fluctuating performance throughout his career.
Injuries also played a role in limiting Barney's time in the majors. Arm troubles began to affect his pitching, and he found it increasingly difficult to recapture the form that had made him a promising young star. By the early 1950s, his major league career was winding down, and he eventually left the Dodgers.
After his playing days, Barney remained connected to the sport. He became a beloved public address announcer for the Baltimore Orioles, a position he held for many years. His voice became synonymous with Orioles baseball, and he endeared himself to fans with his enthusiastic and engaging style.
Rex Barney's baseball career, though brief, left a lasting memory for those who witnessed his powerful fastball and his unforgettable no-hitter.
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/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.
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/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.
Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of...
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This annual publication was available through the mail and at most major league stadiums. Its decline in popularity is said to be a result of the competition from team yearbooks.
Who's Who covers generally contain photos of the top four stars of the previous year. Each edition featured photos and sketches of sports team top twenty players. A world champion photo usually appeared on the back cover of Who's Who in Major League Baseball while the other league champions appeared on the front cover.
When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the...
/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.