Len Barker
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Leonard Harold Barker III (born July 7, 1955 in Fort Knox, Kentucky), better known as Len Barker, is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He had a largely unheralded career for the Texas Rangers (1976-78), Cleveland Indians (1979-83), Atlanta Braves (1983-85) and Milwaukee Brewers (1987).
In 1980, Barker enjoyed career-high numbers in winning games (19) and strikeouts (181, top in the league). Then, on May 15, 1981, he pitched a perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was the tenth perfect game ever at the time, and one of only seventeen in the history of the major leagues. In that season he also was selected an All-Star.
In the 1983, season he was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Brett Butler, Brook Jacoby, Rick Behenna and $150,000 cash. The trade was initiated by the Braves who were in a tight race for first in the National League West Division with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It is generally considered one of the worst trades in baseball history. Butler had been a fan favorite in Atlanta, and the announcement of the trade was bungled by the Braves. Butler and Jacoby went on to become All-Stars while Barker was released from the Braves in 1985 with three years remaining on his contract.
Barker compiled a career 74-76 record with 975 strikeouts and a 4.34 ERA in 1323.7 innings.
| Preceded by Catfish Hunter |
Perfect game pitcher May 15, 1981 |
Succeeded by Mike Witt |
