Barry Bonnell – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Barry Bonnell’s name might not echo through baseball halls like some of his more famous peers, but his decade-long MLB career really tells the story of a solid outfielder who played for three teams during the late 1970s and 1980s. Born in Ohio, he got drafted first overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1975 and put together a respectable career from 1977 to 1986.

Bonnell retired from Major League Baseball in 1986 after playing his last season with the Seattle Mariners. He wrapped up a career that included stints with the Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle.

He finished with a career batting average of .272, hit 56 home runs, and drove in 355 runs across 976 games. That steady production made him a valuable role player throughout his time in the majors.

From his early days as a two-sport athlete at Ohio State University to fighting Valley fever during his last years in Seattle, Bonnell’s journey through pro baseball offers a glimpse into the ups and downs of a nearly ten-year career. His story has standout seasons, clutch hitting, and a personal faith that shaped his playing days and life after baseball.

Barry Bonnell’s MLB Career Overview

Barry Bonnell played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1977 to 1986. He put up a .272 batting average, 56 home runs, and 355 RBIs in 976 games.

He spent time with three teams and had some standout moments as an outfielder. People knew him for his clutch hitting and a strong defensive arm.

Major League Baseball Debut and Final Season

Barry Bonnell made his MLB debut on May 4, 1977, with the Atlanta Braves against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Philadelphia Phillies had picked him first overall in the 1975 MLB January Draft Secondary Phase for college players.

He left Ohio State University during his senior year to chase his baseball dreams. He’d played both baseball and basketball at OSU on a full athletic scholarship after starring in both sports at Milford High School near Cincinnati.

His last MLB appearance came on July 12, 1986, with the Seattle Mariners. Valley fever, which he caught during spring training in 1984, really affected his later career.

The illness turned into pneumonia and hit his performance hard. He needed about a year to recover, and he spent his last two seasons mostly on the bench.

Primary Position and Playing Style

Bonnell played as an outfielder his entire MLB career, batting and throwing right-handed. His teammates called him a “money hitter” for coming through in big moments.

Key Playing Characteristics:

• Batting Style: Right-handed, clutch performer
• Defensive Skills: Strong, accurate arm
• Specialty: Game-winning hits, pressure situations

He hit four grand slams in his career and led his teams in game-winning hits nearly every season. His throwing arm stood out, and his defense was reliable.

Bonnell focused on situational hitting more than pure power. That approach made him valuable even if his overall numbers weren’t flashy.

Career Highlights and Notable Achievements

Bonnell had his best season in 1983 with the Toronto Blue Jays, batting .318 with 10 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. That year marked the high point of his offensive output.

Career Statistics Summary:

• Batting Average: .272
• Home Runs: 56
• Runs Batted In: 355
• Games Played: 976
• Hits: 833
• Runs Scored: 363

He played for the Atlanta Braves (1977-1979), Toronto Blue Jays (1980-1983), and Seattle Mariners (1984-1986). His most productive years came with Toronto, where he became a reliable contributor.

Bonnell’s reputation for clutch hitting made him valuable in tight games. Those four career grand slams showed he could deliver with the bases loaded when it really mattered.

Atlanta Braves Years

Barry Bonnell’s time with the Atlanta Braves from 1977 to 1979 marked his entry into Major League Baseball. He quickly established himself as a dependable outfielder.

He joined the Braves through a trade involving Dick Allen, put up a strong rookie performance with a .300 average, and earned a reputation for his defensive skills. Eventually, the Braves traded him to Toronto.

Draft and Entry into the Braves

Barry Bonnell entered the Atlanta Braves organization via a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. That deal was part of the Dick Allen trade, which landed Bonnell in Atlanta’s farm system.

He played both basketball and baseball at Ohio State University before turning pro. In the minors, he spent time with the Spartanburg Phillies in South Carolina.

On May 4, 1977, Bonnell debuted with the Braves at age 23. He broke into the majors as an outfielder, ready to make an impact.

Key Contributions and Performance

Bonnell’s rookie year in 1977 was impressive—he hit .300 right out of the gate. That solid average showed he could make contact and get on base.

His first major league homer was a grand slam against the San Francisco Giants on June 5, 1977. He took Randy Moffitt deep and drove in four runs with his first long ball.

People saw Bonnell as a good glove man who played solid defense in the outfield. He brought a mix of power and speed, making him a well-rounded player for the Braves.

Impact on Team and Legacy

During his three seasons in Atlanta, Bonnell proved himself as a reliable outfielder. His defensive skills earned him a spot among the team’s more trusted fielders.

He played alongside Dale Murphy, a future Hall of Famer. Both shared the Mormon faith, which gave them a unique bond in the clubhouse.

The Braves traded Bonnell to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1979 as part of the Chris Chambliss deal. That move ended his foundational years in Atlanta, where he’d shown he could handle the big leagues.

Toronto Blue Jays Tenure

Bonnell’s time with the Toronto Blue Jays from 1980 to 1983 marked the peak of his career. He put up his best stats and became a versatile outfielder.

During these four years, he notched a 3.4 WAR and even led the American League in batting average for a stretch in 1982.

Transition to Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired Barry Bonnell on December 5, 1979, in a big trade with the Atlanta Braves. The Blue Jays sent Chris Chambliss and Luis Gómez to Atlanta and got Bonnell, Joey McLaughlin, and Pat Rockett in return.

The deal worked out well for Toronto, who needed veteran experience for their young franchise. Bonnell quickly became a steady presence in the outfield.

He took on more responsibility, playing both as a starter and a utility guy across different positions.

Best Season and Statistical Achievements

Bonnell’s best stretch came in 1982, when he briefly led all of MLB in batting average. In the first week of June, he was hitting .389 while league averages hovered around .260.

His Blue Jays stats showed steady production:

• Batting average: .281
• On-base percentage: .331
• Slugging percentage: .416

He had some memorable moments. On June 16, 1983, he hit two triples against Oakland in a 9-1 win, tying a team record. He also racked up three doubles in a 5-3 victory over Cleveland on April 20, 1980.

Bonnell delivered in the clutch, too. On April 26, 1980, he hit a grand slam on a full count in the ninth inning against Milwaukee, helping Dave Stieb’s shutout.

Role in Team Success

Bonnell’s versatility really helped the Blue Jays. He played all three outfield spots and even filled in at third base, giving manager Bobby Mattick plenty of options.

His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball helped stabilize Toronto’s lineup during their early years. The team leaned on experienced players like Bonnell to mentor younger guys and keep things competitive.

Injuries sometimes got in the way. He broke his left cheekbone from a hit-by-pitch in August 1980 and dealt with knee issues after the 1981 strike.

Contract talks got tense in 1982. Management wanted him to give up flying as a hobby, which led him to ask for a trade. He did re-sign for three years, but things never quite smoothed over before his December 1983 trade to Seattle.

Seattle Mariners and Late MLB Career

Bonnell’s last MLB chapter started in 1984 when he joined the Seattle Mariners. Health problems, including pneumonia and Valley Fever, eventually ended his career after 1986.

Trade to Seattle Mariners

Barry Bonnell moved to the Seattle Mariners after a strong 1983 season with Toronto. He’d just batted .318 and hoped to keep rolling in the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle offered a fresh start for the veteran outfielder. He joined a team still figuring out its place in the American League.

Bonnell brought leadership and experience to the Mariners. With a decade in the majors under his belt, he became a steady veteran in the clubhouse.

Injuries and Challenges

Bonnell’s time in Seattle was rough, thanks to serious health problems. He got sick during spring training but tried to tough it out at first.

Things only got worse before he finally saw a doctor. “I couldn’t even hold the bat up without my arms shaking,” Bonnell said about that time.

Doctors found two big issues:

• Pneumonia that needed immediate treatment
• Valley Fever, a rare illness that made things even worse

After a chest X-ray, Bonnell said, “it looked like spider webs in there.” The recovery was long and tough.

He spent a full year getting over Valley Fever. That rare condition really sapped his ability to play at the major league level.

Final Seasons and Retirement

Bonnell’s last two seasons in Seattle were limited by his health. He called himself “a bit player” during 1985 and 1986.

His final MLB game came on July 12, 1986, against the Milwaukee Brewers. He went 1-for-2 in his last big league appearance.

Although he had chances to keep playing elsewhere, Bonnell chose to retire. “I decided I’d rather be with my family and pursue other interests,” he said.

Career conclusion details:

• Retired at age 33 after the 1986 season
• Played out his contract with Seattle despite his health
• Ended with a .272 average and 56 home runs

A deeply religious man, teammates called him “Preacher.” He felt guilty about his salary during those limited final years and even offered to work as owner George Argyros’s private pilot to make up for it, though Argyros turned him down.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Barry Bonnell’s journey to Major League Baseball started in Ohio. He stood out as a multi-sport athlete at Milford High School, then earned a full athletic scholarship to Ohio State University.

His talents on the baseball diamond and basketball court led to his selection as the first overall pick in the 1975 MLB Draft.

High School Accomplishments

Barry Bonnell attended Milford High School near Cincinnati, Ohio, where he shined as a two-sport athlete. He played varsity baseball and basketball, helping both teams win championships.

On the baseball field, he showed the arm and bat that would make him a pro prospect. People noticed his strong throwing arm and solid hitting even in high school.

His athleticism and leadership made him a standout. Excelling in more than one sport highlighted his natural talent and drive.

After graduating in 1971, Bonnell attracted attention from college recruiters. His ability in two sports made him a top candidate for athletic scholarships.

Ohio State University Experience

Bonnell landed a full athletic scholarship to Ohio State University, where he kept up his dual-sport path. At OSU, he played both baseball and basketball, juggling the demands of two big-time programs.

He took advantage of his time at Ohio State to sharpen his skills with solid collegiate coaching. Competing at a higher level gave him a taste of what pro sports would demand.

While in college, Bonnell married his high school sweetheart. That personal milestone happened right in the middle of building his athletic resume.

Key decision: Bonnell made the bold move to leave Ohio State during his senior year and chase a professional baseball career. After the MLB Draft, he faced a tough choice between finishing his degree or jumping into pro ball.

Draft Selection Process

The Philadelphia Phillies picked Barry Bonnell as the first overall pick in the 1975 Major League Baseball Draft. That selection really showed how much his baseball talent stood out.

Scouts saw him as the top amateur prospect, and the Phillies clearly believed he could make a difference fast. They invested in him, betting on his potential at the pro level.

Getting drafted validated his decision to leave Ohio State early. Pro teams had already sized up his skills and figured he was ready.

His draft position set the bar high for his career. Being the first pick usually means tons of pressure and media attention, with teams hoping for instant impact from someone so highly ranked.

Post-Retirement Life and Personal Background

Barry Bonnell moved from pro baseball into aviation and business, all while staying close to his family and community. Even after baseball, he showed the same dedication and work ethic that marked his playing days.

Personal Life and Family

Barry Bonnell married Stefnie, and together they raised five kids in Washington State. They settled in the Pacific Northwest, where Barry could chase new interests and still keep the family grounded.

Growing up in Miamiville, Ohio, shaped his values and drive. In high school, he led championship teams in both baseball and basketball. That early athletic experience stuck with him and shaped how he approached family and business.

The Bonnell family put a big emphasis on education and hard work. When Barry left Ohio State early to go pro, he learned a lot about taking chances. Those lessons shaped the advice he gave his own kids as they faced their own choices.

Faith and Community Involvement

Bonnell’s involvement with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had a big impact on his life and career. While playing minor league ball with the Spartanburg Phillies, he often talked about faith with his teammate Dale Murphy.

They had long talks about baptism and eternal life, which led Murphy to meet with missionaries. Bonnell baptized Murphy in 1975, and that experience created a lasting bond between them.

His faith shaped how he approached baseball and life after retirement. The values he picked up through his beliefs helped him make business choices and nurture family relationships. Bonnell stayed active in his church community long after his playing days ended.

Legacy Beyond Baseball

After he retired during the 1986 All-Star Break, Bonnell jumped into aviation as his next adventure.

He went through Flight Safety International’s Airline Transition Program and landed a job as a first officer with Northwest Airlink’s Express Air One.

For about a year, he flew the twin-engine turboprop SAAB 340-B.

But the airline industry just wasn’t stable. When Eastern Airlines and Braniff Airlines shut down, suddenly there were way too many experienced pilots and not enough jobs to go around.

So Bonnell switched gears and entered the business world.

He spent a decade working in home medical equipment. Later, he started importing different products for big retail chains.

His entrepreneurial itch pushed him to co-own Roy’s Boys Pet Toys, and he even earned a patent for a pet-triggered programmable toy.

He didn’t stop there—his interests branched out to blacksmithing and fabrication.

Bonnell also explored writing, working on his memoirs and a few other projects.

And because baseball never really left his life, he coached an 18-and-under team, passing on what he’d learned to the next generation.