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

Barry Foote spent almost a decade behind the plate in Major League Baseball. He caught for four different teams from 1973 to 1982.

Foote grew up in Smithfield, North Carolina. The Montreal Expos drafted him third overall in 1970, and he climbed through their farm system before making his MLB debut in September 1973.

Foote’s ten-year career took him to the Montreal Expos, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees, ending with a World Series appearance in 1981. His path through professional baseball showed both the struggles and rewards of catching during the 1970s and early 1980s.

He started out as a highly rated prospect. Later, he became a veteran backup catcher. Foote’s journey mirrors that of many MLB players who found success by adapting to new roles.

He caught Hall of Fame pitchers, played on playoff teams, and then moved into coaching and scouting. That kept him involved in baseball long after his playing days.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Barry Clifton Foote was born on February 16, 1952, in Smithfield, North Carolina. He developed his baseball skills at Smithfield-Selma High School and became the third overall pick in the 1970 MLB draft by the Montreal Expos.

Birthplace and Family Background

Barry Clifton Foote came into the world on February 16, 1952, in Smithfield, North Carolina. Smithfield is a small town in Johnston County, not too far from Raleigh.

He grew up in a close-knit community where baseball was a big deal. The rural North Carolina setting gave him plenty of chances to play and get better at sports.

His family always supported his baseball dreams. The Footes noticed Barry’s natural talent as a catcher and encouraged him to chase the sport that would eventually become his career.

Smithfield-Selma High School Achievements

At Smithfield-Selma High School, Foote made a name for himself as a standout catcher. Major league scouts started showing up at his games to check out his skills.

He stood out for his defensive play, strong throwing arm, and reliable bat. Those qualities made him a top prospect for pro teams.

By the end of high school, people recognized him as one of the best amateur players in North Carolina. His combination of physical skills and baseball smarts set him up perfectly for the next step.

Amateur Draft and Signing

The 1970 Major League Baseball Draft changed everything for 18-year-old Foote. The Montreal Expos picked him in the first round, third overall.

That high draft spot put Foote among the most wanted amateur players in the country. Right after Foote, the next pick was another catcher, Darrell Porter, who would later become a World Series MVP.

The Expos saw real potential in Foote. Drafting him so early showed their belief that he could develop into a big league catcher.

His selection was the result of years of hard work and natural ability, all shaped by North Carolina’s baseball culture.

MLB Career Overview

Barry Foote played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1973 to 1982. He caught for four different teams.

He debuted with the Montreal Expos at 21 and finished up with the New York Yankees, playing in 687 games total.

Major League Debut

Barry Foote made his MLB debut on September 14, 1973, at Montreal’s Parc Jarry against the Philadelphia Phillies. He was 21 and had spent three seasons working his way up through Montreal’s farm system after being drafted in 1970.

He entered the game in the fourth inning as a pinch hitter. His first at-bat was against future Hall of Famer Steve Carlton, and he popped out to center.

There were only a few games left in the 1973 season when Foote got the call. He finished his debut year by going 4-for-6 at the plate.

Teams Played For

Foote played for four teams in his career. He spent the most time with the Montreal Expos from 1973 to 1977, where he became a regular catcher.

The Expos traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies in June 1977. Foote appeared in 18 games for the Phillies in 1977 and 39 in 1978, but didn’t get much playing time.

During spring training 1979, the Phillies sent Foote to the Chicago Cubs in a multi-player deal. That trade worked out for him, as he became Chicago’s main catcher and appeared in 132 games that season.

He finished his career with the New York Yankees from 1981 to 1982. The Yankees picked him up in April 1981, and he joined a team that went on to win the AL pennant and reach the World Series that year.

Primary Position and Role

Foote played only as a catcher in the majors. He caught over 5,000 innings and posted a .985 fielding percentage.

He had a strong arm and threw out 208 runners trying to steal, with a 38% success rate, five points above the league average for his era.

Foote worked with several Hall of Fame pitchers, including Bruce Sutter and Goose Gossage. He also caught for Rick Reuschel and Steve Rogers.

Depending on the team, his role shifted from starting catcher in Montreal and Chicago to backup duties with the Yankees. In his last season, he backed up Rick Cerone and Butch Wynegar.

Montreal Expos Years (1973–1977)

Barry Foote’s time with the Montreal Expos saw him grow from a promising prospect into an established big league catcher. His rookie season in 1974 was his best offensively, and his competition with future Hall of Famer Gary Carter brought both opportunity and challenge behind the plate.

Rookie Breakout and Awards

Foote debuted on September 14, 1973, at Parc Jarry against the Phillies. He came in as a pinch hitter in the fourth and faced Steve Carlton, popping out in his first at-bat.

He only played a handful of games in 1973, going 4 for 6. His real rookie season came in 1974, when he became Montreal’s main catcher.

1974 was Foote’s breakout year with career highs in several categories:

• 110 hits (his best)
• .262 batting average (second-best in his career)
• 11 home runs
• 60 RBIs

His strong rookie year probably put him in the running for the Topps All-Star Rookie Team. Still, he faced stiff competition from catchers like Johnny Bench, who ruled the National League at the time.

Key Seasons and Performance

After 1974, Foote’s offense dropped off. In 1975 and 1976, he saw less playing time and lower numbers as the Expos tried out other catchers.

His batting average slipped below .250, and the team started to lose patience. They wanted more offense from their catchers.

Manager Gene Mauch sometimes used Foote in a platoon, splitting playing time with guys like John Boccabella. That made it hard for Foote to find a steady rhythm at the plate.

By 1977, his role had shrunk a lot. The Expos traded him to the Phillies in June, ending his four-and-a-half years with Montreal.

Relationship with Gary Carter

When Gary Carter arrived in Montreal’s farm system, he quickly became Foote’s main competition for the starting catcher spot. At first, Foote beat out Carter for the job in the mid-1970s.

Carter spent time in the minors and played other positions when he came up. The Expos saw both as possible long-term solutions at catcher.

Eventually, Carter’s better bat and defense won out. The team put their focus on Carter, which cut into Foote’s playing time and led to his trade.

That competition ended up helping the Expos, since Carter became one of the game’s all-time greats. For Foote, though, it meant his days as Montreal’s starting catcher were numbered.

Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs Stints

Trades took Foote from Montreal to Philadelphia in 1977, then to Chicago in 1979. With the Phillies, he backed up established catchers, but the Cubs gave him his biggest starting role and some of his best moments.

Transition and Role with Phillies

The Expos sent Foote and Dan Warthen to the Phillies for Wayne Twitchell and Tim Blackwell on June 15, 1977. That deal started a new chapter for Foote.

In Philadelphia, Foote backed up Bob Boone and Tim McCarver. He didn’t play much, but he was important for the team’s depth.

The Phillies won the 1978 National League East, with Foote helping as a reserve. His presence gave manager Danny Ozark some insurance behind the plate.

In the 1978 NLCS against the Dodgers, Foote appeared once as a pinch hitter and struck out. Even so, his experience mattered during the team’s playoff run.

Chicago Cubs Trade and Main Achievements

The Cubs traded for Foote in 1979, sending catcher Dave Rader to the Phillies. Chicago made Foote their starting catcher right away.

That move helped Foote’s stats. He played in a career-high 132 games in 1979 and became a steady presence behind the plate.

He posted his best power numbers with the Cubs, hitting 16 home runs in 1979—a personal best. Regular playing time let him show what he could do with the bat.

His best single-game performance came on April 22, 1980, against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field. He drove in eight runs, including a game-winning grand slam, showing his clutch hitting skills.

Memorable Performances at Wrigley Field

Foote played in one of baseball’s wildest games on May 17, 1979, when the Phillies beat the Cubs 23-22 in 10 innings. The game had 45 runs, 50 hits, and 11 home runs, with the wind howling out at Wrigley.

During that crazy game, Foote knocked in a run with a single in the eighth, tying the score at 22. The Cubs had come back from a 17-6 hole, with Foote’s hit part of a rally that included RBIs from Bill Buckner and Jerry Martin.

That game really showed how unpredictable Wrigley Field could be. Foote’s part in it became a highlight of his Cubs days.

Sadly, a back injury cut Foote’s 1980 season short, and he played in just 63 games. That injury started a run of physical problems that would limit his time with Chicago.

New York Yankees and Final Playing Years

The Yankees picked up Foote in April 1981 to fill in for injured catcher Rick Cerone. He made an immediate impact, but injuries soon got in the way.

Foote’s time in New York included a World Series appearance. Back problems eventually forced him to retire in 1982.

Trade and Immediate Impact

The New York Yankees traded pitcher Tom Filer to the Chicago Cubs for Barry Foote on April 27, 1981. The Yankees needed a catcher after Rick Cerone got injured and left them short-handed behind the plate.

Foote arrived in New York and instantly stirred up excitement. He actually hit a home run in his first at-bat for the Yankees, which set the stage for a pretty remarkable start.

He kept the hot streak going, belting five home runs in his first seven games with the team. Yankees fans started to believe they’d found a real replacement for their injured starter.

The 1981 season came to a halt when the Major League Baseball Players Association voted to strike on May 29. Play didn’t resume until August 9, right after the All-Star game.

1981 World Series Appearance

After the strike, Foote saw less playing time for the rest of the 1981 season. The Yankees used him sparingly as Rick Cerone worked his way back into the lineup.

Even with his reduced role, Foote made the Yankees’ World Series roster. The team advanced to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving Foote his first—and only—shot at a championship.

Foote’s World Series appearance was brief but kind of memorable. He pinch-hit and struck out in his only at-bat, which echoed his earlier playoff experience with Philadelphia in 1978.

The Yankees lost the World Series to the Dodgers after leading three games to two. Foote mostly filled the backup catcher spot during this crucial stretch of his career.

Injuries and Retirement

Back problems really started to bother Foote during his last season in 1982. He landed on the injured reserve list in June after back spasms seriously limited his ability to play.

The Yankees sent him to their Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers, in July 1982. They made this move to clear roster space when Rick Cerone returned from his own injury issues.

Foote played his final major league game on August 8, 1982, when he was just 30. Persistent back injuries ended his career earlier than anyone expected.

The Yankees released him on March 25, 1983, the last day of spring training. That move officially closed the book on his 10-year major league career, where he hit .230 with 57 home runs and 230 RBIs in 687 games.

Career Statistics and Playing Style

Barry Foote’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but they’re respectable for a 10-season MLB career. He hit .230 with 57 home runs and 230 RBIs in 687 games.

His defensive skills behind the plate stood out most. He threw out base runners at a 38% clip, about five percentage points above the league average.

Batting and Fielding Metrics

Foote’s batting stats tell the story of a defense-first catcher who could contribute at the plate when needed. He finished with 489 hits across four teams.

His best offensive season came in 1979 with the Chicago Cubs. That year, he hit .254 with 109 hits and a career-high 16 home runs in 132 games.

His 1974 season with Montreal also stands out. Foote collected a career-high 110 hits, batted .262, and hit 11 home runs with 60 RBIs.

Behind the plate, Foote kept a .985 fielding percentage throughout his career. He threw out 208 runners trying to steal, showing off strong instincts.

His throwing arm helped control the running game. That 38% success rate against base stealers beat the league average by a good margin.

Strengths as a Catcher

Foote’s main value came from his defense and game-calling. He caught over 5,000 innings in the majors, working with several Hall of Fame pitchers.

He handled elite pitchers like Bruce Sutter and Goose Gossage in high-pressure situations. Foote also worked well with Rick Reuschel and Steve Rogers.

Foote called catching Hall of Famers like Sutter and Gossage some of his most memorable moments. He praised Gossage’s “great fastball and intimidating” presence.

He described Sutter’s split-finger fastball, Rogers’ “best overall stuff,” and Reuschel’s “best control.” Foote’s ability to work with so many pitching styles made him valuable to several teams.

Notable Achievements and Awards

Foote’s career highlights include some big individual games and team moments. He played in the 1981 World Series with the Yankees, even though they lost to the Dodgers.

His most impressive single-game performance came in 1980 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Foote hit two home runs and drove in eight RBIs that day—pretty wild.

He had two games with multiple home runs and three games with four hits. Those moments showed he could do damage at the plate now and then.

The Montreal Expos picked him third overall in the 1970 MLB draft. That high draft spot showed the team really believed in his catching abilities.

While he never took home major awards, Foote’s decade-long career and steady defense earned him respect around the league. Throwing out 38% of base runners is still a standout stat.

Post-Playing Career: Coaching and Scouting

After retiring in 1982, Barry Foote moved right into coaching and scouting. He spent 24 years in the game, including successful stretches as a minor league manager—he even earned Manager of the Year honors twice—and coached at the major league level with the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets.

Scouting Roles and Yankees Tenure

George Steinbrenner saw Foote’s value right after he retired. The Yankees owner offered him a special assignment scout job reporting directly to Steinbrenner.

Foote’s field experience and relationships around baseball made him a real asset in evaluating trades and acquisitions. His insider knowledge came in handy more than once.

For instance, when the Yankees considered trading for pitcher Len Barker, Foote talked to Cleveland catcher Jim Essian and learned about Barker’s elbow issues. That bit of intel helped the Yankees avoid a risky trade, and Barker’s elbow problems eventually caught up with him.

Steinbrenner respected former players in these roles. “If you had been on the field, he was easier to work for than some other folks who hadn’t,” Foote recalled about working with the Yankees owner.

Minor League Manager Highlights

Foote started managing in the Yankees’ system, taking the helm in the Florida State League. His leadership paid off—he was named Florida State League Manager of the Year in 1984 while managing the Fort Lauderdale Yankees.

He later joined the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league system and kept winning. In 1987, Foote was named South Atlantic League Manager of the Year with the Myrtle Beach Blue Jays.

His managerial style focused on fundamentals and work ethic, traits he picked up from Gene Mauch early in his career. That approach helped him develop young players in the minors.

Those two Manager of the Year awards really showed Foote’s knack for getting the most out of his teams and building strong clubhouse cultures.

Major League Coaching with White Sox and Mets

Foote found that his minor league success opened doors for him at the major league level. In 1990 and 1991, he coached with the Chicago White Sox, where he brought his catching experience and knack for developing players to the big leagues.

After his stint with the White Sox, the New York Mets brought Foote on as their first base coach in 1992. He got to keep making an impact in major league baseball, putting his deep knowledge of the game to use.

His move from player to scout, then to minor league manager, and finally to major league coach really showed off his versatility. It’s pretty clear he understood baseball operations inside and out.

Both American and National League teams wanted him, which says a lot about the respect Foote earned in professional baseball.