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

Barry Latman put together a solid 11-season run in Major League Baseball before finally hanging up his cleats in 1967. This right-handed pitcher from Los Angeles left his mark on four franchises: the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles/California Angels, and Houston Astros.

Latman’s professional baseball journey spanned from 1957 to 1967. He put up a 59-68 record, a 3.91 ERA, and 829 strikeouts across 344 games. His best years came with the Cleveland Indians in the early 1960s, where he earned All-Star honors in 1961 and posted a .722 winning percentage that same year.

Latman’s story goes way beyond just numbers. His Jewish heritage, a perfect game in high school, his college days at USC, and the friendships he built along the way all shaped his journey. He went from a promising amateur to a seasoned major leaguer, offering a glimpse into baseball during the late ’50s and ’60s. Even after retirement, Latman stayed connected to the Jewish sports community, leaving a lasting mark on the game.

Barry Latman’s Baseball Career Overview

Barry Latman pitched in Major League Baseball for 11 seasons, from 1957 to 1967, and wore the uniforms of four teams. He started out with the Chicago White Sox and helped them win the 1959 American League pennant. He finished his career with the Houston Astros in 1967.

Major League Baseball Debut and Early Years

Latman made his MLB debut on September 10, 1957, facing the Boston Red Sox. He pitched three innings, gave up two hits, struck out two, and walked three.

Just five days later, he picked up his first big league win at Griffith Stadium in Washington. Latman came on in relief, tossed two scoreless innings, and the Chicago White Sox won 3-1.

He appeared in seven games as a rookie, ending with a 1-2 record and an 8.25 ERA. Control was an issue that season.

In 1958, things started to turn around for Latman. He began the year in the minors, but after returning to Chicago in August, he really found his groove.

He went 3-0 with a dazzling 0.76 ERA in 13 games. On September 26, he shut out the Kansas City Athletics 1-0, allowing three hits and striking out nine.

Rise with the Chicago White Sox

The 1959 White Sox season was the high point of Latman’s early career. He played a role in Chicago’s first American League pennant in 40 years.

Latman started the year in the rotation but struggled, going winless in four April starts with a 9.19 ERA. The team moved him to the bullpen.

Things improved after he returned to the rotation in late June. From June 25 to the end of the season, Latman put up an 8-3 record with a 3.22 ERA in 21 games.

He didn’t pitch in the World Series despite helping the team get there. The Los Angeles Dodgers beat Chicago in six games, and Latman watched from the bullpen.

Manager Al Lopez leaned on veteran pitchers during the postseason. Latman made the World Series roster but never got into a game.

Key Trades and Team Transitions

On April 18, 1960, the Chicago White Sox traded Latman to the Cleveland Indians for Herb Score. The trade went down just a day before the season opener.

Latman found his stride in Cleveland, especially in 1961. He started that year with nine straight wins and made the American League All-Star team.

In 1961, he finished 13-5 with a 4.02 ERA and five saves. Latman started out in the bullpen, then moved back into the starting rotation.

The Los Angeles Angels picked up Latman on December 2, 1963, trading outfielder Leon Wagner for him. The move stirred up some controversy—Latman’s father-in-law even questioned the deal.

Arm problems plagued Latman in 1965, and he asked for a trade. The Angels sent him to the Houston Astros on December 15, 1965, for cash and minor league catcher Ed Pacheco.

Retirement in 1967 and Career Summary

Latman’s last two seasons with Houston were tough because of arm issues. In 1966, he posted a career-best 2.71 ERA but only managed a 2-7 record in 31 games.

His final season came in 1967. Latman went 3-6 with a 4.52 ERA for the Houston Astros and retired at 31.

He pitched his last big league game on August 19, 1967. Ongoing arm problems and declining performance pushed him to step away from baseball.

Career Statistics:

• Games: 344 (134 starts)
• Record: 59-68
• ERA: 3.91
• Strikeouts: 829
• Teams: 4 (White Sox, Indians, Angels, Astros)

Looking back, Latman said he leaned too much on his fastball early in his career. He felt like he didn’t really learn to pitch until he was almost done.

Notable Achievements and Highlights

Barry Latman’s career had some truly memorable moments that showed off his skills. His perfect game in high school kicked off his pro journey, and his All-Star selection in 1961 was a career highlight.

1954 Perfect Game and High School Records

Latman tossed a perfect game for Fairfax High School in Los Angeles during his senior year in 1954. It was the first perfect game in the LA school system in ten years.

The Helms Athletic Foundation named him Los Angeles All-City Player after that. He also played in the All-Star High School Game in New York.

Major league scouts took notice and offered him bonuses, but Latman turned them down to take a baseball scholarship at the University of Southern California.

Larry Sherry, his teammate at Fairfax, later became a star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Funny enough, Sherry faced Latman’s 1959 White Sox in the World Series that year.

All-Star Selection and Awards

Latman picked up his only All-Star nod in 1961 with the Cleveland Indians. He made the American League roster for the second of two All-Star Games that year.

That selection came after a fantastic start to the season. Latman won his first nine decisions, mostly pitching out of the bullpen.

He wrapped up 1961 with a 13-5 record and a 4.02 ERA. His .722 winning percentage ranked fourth in the league.

Even though he didn’t get into the All-Star Game, the honor stood out as the highlight of his big league career.

Role in the 1959 White Sox Pennant Race

Latman played a part in the 1959 White Sox team that snapped a 40-year pennant drought. Early struggles gave way to a strong finish.

From June 25 through the rest of the season, Latman went 8-3 with a 3.22 ERA. He started 17 games during that crucial stretch as the White Sox chased the pennant.

His most memorable outing came on September 11 in a doubleheader at Baltimore. Latman and 20-year-old Orioles starter Jerry Walker both pitched shutouts into the 10th before Latman got pulled.

Latman made the World Series roster but didn’t pitch in the six-game loss to the Dodgers. He watched from the bullpen as his old high school teammate Larry Sherry took World Series MVP honors for LA.

Standout Performances and Memorable Games

Latman’s best game probably came on September 26, 1958, against the Kansas City Athletics. He tossed a complete-game shutout, gave up just three hits, and struck out nine in a 1-0 win.

He faced only 30 batters that day, just three more than the minimum. That near-flawless performance helped build his reputation as a top White Sox pitching prospect.

In 1966 with Houston, Latman posted a career-best 2.71 ERA. Even with arm problems, he managed to pitch in 31 games that year.

One last highlight came in 1967 when he pitched alongside three other Jewish players on the Astros: Bo Belinsky, Larry Sherry, and Norm Miller. As of 2010, Latman ranked sixth all-time in strikeouts among Jewish major leaguers with 829.

Collegiate and Amateur Roots

Barry Latman built his baseball foundation in Los Angeles, shining at Fairfax High School before heading to the University of Southern California on a scholarship. His amateur days featured that perfect game and made him one of California’s most sought-after young pitchers.

Fairfax High School Baseball Experience

Latman attended Fairfax High in Los Angeles, and people called him “Shoulders” for his broad frame. His senior year in 1954 brought one of the most unforgettable performances in high school baseball history.

On a spring day, Latman threw a seven-inning perfect game against Hamilton High. He struck out 15 of 21 batters, and Fairfax won 2-0—even though his own team only managed two hits.

That year, LA high school pitching was stacked. On the same day as Latman’s perfect game, Don Drysdale tossed a two-hitter for Van Nuys High.

Latman’s performance got him noticed by college scouts and pro teams across the country. His high school success paved the way for his recruitment by top universities.

University of Southern California Career

Latman accepted a baseball scholarship to USC after his standout high school career. USC had a reputation for developing great baseball talent, so it was a perfect fit.

His college days didn’t last long, though. The Chicago White Sox came calling with a big offer. Reports said the bidding for Latman might reach $75,000—a huge sum before the baseball draft existed.

Latman decided to sign with the White Sox for the 1955 season, ending his college playing days. That was pretty common back then, since teams could sign top young players straight out of high school or college.

Even after leaving USC as a player, Latman kept up with his studies during the baseball offseason. He took banking and finance classes at Los Angeles State College, showing he cared about education too.

Bar Mitzvah and Early Life Influences

Arnold Barry Latman was born May 21, 1936, in Los Angeles, and grew up in a Jewish family. His roots in the Jewish community shaped his early years and left a mark on his character throughout his career.

Growing up in 1940s Los Angeles, Latman was part of a generation of Jewish athletes who made a difference in pro baseball. The city’s mix of cultures and strong youth sports programs gave young talents like him a real shot.

Latman’s family supported his baseball dreams from the start. Their encouragement, plus his natural ability, helped him develop into a pro-caliber player.

Los Angeles was booming and changing fast during those years. The city’s youth baseball programs and competitive high school leagues turned out future big leaguers like Latman.

Influence, Relationships, and Cultural Impact

Barry Latman’s baseball career was shaped by meaningful relationships and cultural ties. He exchanged letters with Ty Cobb, who offered mentorship. Latman’s Jewish heritage guided his professional conduct and personal identity throughout his time in the majors.

Mentorship from Ty Cobb

Back in 1954, Latman kicked off a pretty unusual five-year correspondence with baseball legend Ty Cobb. Cobb first noticed the young pitcher after seeing him on TV during Latman’s high school days.

Cobb picked up on Latman’s potential right away. After catching him pitch live, Cobb told Barry he had “the stuff to pitch in the major leagues.” Cobb kept up the encouragement, sending Latman a steady stream of supportive letters.

Their connection went far beyond typical fan mail. They even met in person a few times, though most of their conversations happened through letters in the early to mid-1950s. Latman would later say he never saw the racist or anti-Semitic behavior people often accused Cobb of.

That mentorship really mattered for Latman. Getting support from such a famous player boosted his confidence as he chased a pro baseball career.

Jewish Heritage and Observances

Latman’s Jewish identity shaped both his baseball journey and his personal life. He stuck to his religious observances, choosing not to pitch on Jewish High Holidays throughout his time in the majors.

His commitment started young. When he was 10, his parents made him step away from baseball for three years to study for his bar mitzvah. That move really showed how much the family valued Jewish traditions and education.

After retiring, Latman kept reaching out to Jewish communities. He once spoke at Beth-El Synagogue in Indianapolis, and his talk inspired a young man with zero previous interest in baseball to become a big fan.

Latman stood out as a Jewish athlete in Major League Baseball, especially during a time when there weren’t many. Through 2010, he held the sixth spot for most career strikeouts among Jewish major leaguers.

Connections with Notable Baseball Figures

Latman crossed paths with some big names in baseball. At Fairfax High, his teammate was Larry Sherry, who later became a star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

That connection came full circle in 1959. Latman helped the Chicago White Sox reach the World Series, but Sherry ended up being Series MVP for the Dodgers, winning Games Four and Six against Latman’s team.

In his final season with the Houston Astros in 1967, Latman played with three other Jewish players: pitchers Bo Belinsky and Larry Sherry, plus outfielder Norm Miller. Having that many Jewish players on one team was pretty unusual back then.

Latman’s trade history brought him into contact with some well-known players too. The Chicago White Sox traded him to Cleveland for Herb Score, a former star pitcher who’d struggled after taking a batted ball to the eye.

Life After Baseball and Legacy

Barry Latman shifted from professional baseball into business ventures in home furnishings and construction. He stayed connected to the baseball world, giving talks at synagogues and inspiring fans long after his playing days.

Transition to Post-Playing Career

After he retired from baseball in 1967, Latman had to figure out what came next. He’d already started learning the home furnishings and drapery business while he was still playing, which turned out to be a smart move.

He also worked as a project superintendent in custom-home construction. These two business paths gave him financial stability and a sense of purpose beyond baseball.

Latman brought the same dedication to business that he showed on the mound. He managed different roles in construction and home furnishings, proving he could adapt just as well off the field as on it.

Contributions to the Baseball Community

Latman kept engaging with baseball fans after he retired. At Beth-El Synagogue in Indianapolis, for example, his speech made a big impression. One young man who’d never cared about baseball before heard Latman speak and became a lifelong fan.

That fan even posted a message online, hoping Latman would see how much his talk had meant. It’s little moments like that that show how Latman connected with people beyond just stats and scores.

When he spoke, Latman often shared what it was like to be a Jewish player in the majors. He talked about sticking to his religious observances, like refusing to pitch on Jewish High Holidays, something that really resonated with audiences.

Memorial and Burial Information

Barry Latman passed away on April 28, 2019, at age 82 in Richmond, Texas, after a long illness. His death marked the close of a life that stretched from baseball’s golden era into a successful business career.

He left behind five children and 13 grandchildren from two marriages. He married Lynne Schwab in 1961, and they had two children, Nathan and Richard, before divorcing in 1980. He married Patti Klein in 1989 in Los Angeles.

In his later years, Latman lived in places like Marina Del Rey near Los Angeles, northern San Diego County, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he and Patti bought a condo in 2006. News of his passing spread through baseball circles and social media, with fans and autograph collectors sharing their memories.

Net Worth, Personal Life, and Enduring Recognition

Latman’s career spanned multiple teams and decades, and his legacy went far beyond his numbers on the field. His Jewish heritage and Southern California upbringing shaped who he was both in and out of baseball.

Family and Personal Background

Barry Latman grew up in an observant Jewish home in Southern California. His religious background influenced his early baseball days—he had to take a break from Little League to prepare for his Bar Mitzvah.

He attended Fairfax High School and quickly made a name for himself as a pitcher. In his senior year, 1954, he threw the first perfect game in the Los Angeles school system in over a decade. His teammate? Larry Sherry, who would later pitch for the Dodgers.

That connection with Sherry carried into their pro careers. In the 1959 World Series, Latman’s White Sox faced the Dodgers, and Sherry won two games and took home MVP honors.

Later, when Latman played for the Houston Astros, he ended up with several Jewish teammates. In 1967, he played alongside pitchers Bo Belinsky and Larry Sherry, plus outfielder Norm Miller.

Honors and Lasting Reputation

Latman’s standout year was 1961 with the Cleveland Indians. He kicked off the season by winning his first nine decisions, mostly pitching in relief, and earned a spot on the American League All-Star team.

His trade to the Los Angeles Angels after the 1963 season became a bit of a baseball story. The Indians traded Latman for Leon Wagner, and his father-in-law joked, “That’s all we got for Wagner?” The press ran with it, and it caused a minor stir.

Latman played for several teams, including the California Angels and Houston Astros. He wrapped up his big league career with the Astros from 1966 to 1967, closing out more than a decade in the majors.

Influence on Future Generations

Latman’s impact went way beyond just his playing stats. He showed what Jewish athletes could achieve in professional baseball, and honestly, that mattered. His career overlapped with other well-known Jewish players, so together, they made Jewish representation much more visible in Major League Baseball during the 1950s and 1960s.

Back in high school, Latman threw a perfect game in the Los Angeles school system. That early feat really showed people what he could do. It also opened doors for him, like a scholarship offer at USC.

Instead of sticking with college ball, Latman chose to jump into the professional ranks. He accepted a scholarship to play at USC at first, but then he decided to sign with the Chicago White Sox. He worked his way up through their minor league system, which set an example for future amateur players.

From 1957 to 1967, Latman played for teams in several regions, including California and Texas. That kind of geographic spread mirrored how Major League Baseball was growing and changing back then.