Jesse Barfield – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jesse Barfield stood out as one of baseball’s most intimidating outfielders in the 1980s, mixing power at the plate with dazzling defense. He spent 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, suiting up for the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees, before calling it a career in 1992 after a rough start that year.

Barfield racked up some impressive achievements—his Gold Glove-winning defense and rocket arm kept baserunners on their toes. The right fielder really broke out in 1986, leading the American League in home runs and cementing himself as one of the league’s top power threats.

He kicked off his MLB career in 1981 with the Toronto Blue Jays, just as the team started making noise in the American League East. The Jays traded him to the New York Yankees in 1989, and Barfield played there until he hung up his spikes in 1992, wanting to spend more time with his family after struggling at the plate that season.

Jesse Barfield’s Early Life and Major League Debut

Jesse Barfield’s path to baseball stardom started in the Midwest, where he eventually became a standout for the Toronto Blue Jays in the early ‘80s.

Childhood and Background

Jesse Lee Barfield was born on October 29, 1959, in Joliet, Illinois, about half an hour from Chicago. He grew up with his mom, Annie, who had him when she was just 18.

Barfield went to Central High School in Joliet and quickly started turning heads with his athleticism. He reached 6’1″ and filled out to a solid 200 pounds, giving him the natural power and strong arm that would later define his big-league career.

Life in Illinois shaped his work ethic and grit. While not every detail about his early years is out there, it’s clear that his baseball talent popped during high school, drawing the attention of pro scouts.

Path to Professional Baseball

The Toronto Blue Jays noticed Barfield’s potential and picked him in the ninth round of the 1977 MLB Draft, making him the 233rd overall selection. The franchise itself was brand new at that point.

Barfield signed with Toronto and spent several seasons working his way through the minors. His power and arm strength made him stand out right away. He spent this time fine-tuning his swing and sharpening his outfield instincts.

By 1980, Barfield’s minor league numbers caught the Blue Jays’ attention, and they started thinking seriously about bringing him up. His mix of power and defense fit perfectly with what the young team needed.

Major League Debut with Toronto Blue Jays

Barfield debuted in the majors with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1981, kicking off what turned into an impressive 11-year MLB run. He started out in a part-time role but wasted no time showing off the skills that would make him a fan favorite.

His first full season came in 1982, when he started to make his mark as a promising outfielder with a cannon for an arm. Barfield’s throws from right field quickly became legendary, and runners learned to think twice before testing him.

Those early Toronto years were all about growth—for both Barfield and the young franchise. He settled into right field and started flashing the power that would define his career. Blue Jays fans started to realize they had a future star on their hands.

Career with the Toronto Blue Jays

Jesse Barfield kicked off his MLB adventure with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1981 and quickly turned into one of the most electrifying outfielders of the decade. His big bat and rocket arm made him a key piece of the team’s early success.

Becoming a Fan Favorite

Barfield didn’t take long to win over Blue Jays fans with his energy and approachable attitude. After Toronto drafted him in 1977, he made his debut in 1981, getting into 25 games that year.

By 1982, Barfield had nailed down a regular spot and finished 8th in Rookie of the Year voting. His powerful swing and glove in right field made him a fixture at Exhibition Stadium.

Fans loved Barfield’s dependability and hustle. He joined George Bell and Lloyd Moseby to form the “Killer B’s”—an outfield trio that brought excitement to Toronto in the mid-80s.

Offensive Achievements

Barfield peaked offensively in 1986, leading the American League with 40 home runs. That monster season earned him a Silver Slugger and a seventh-place finish in the MVP race. He swung for power but could also make decent contact.

He put together some memorable hitting streaks, like a 14-gamer in 1985. In his nine seasons with Toronto, Barfield hit .265 with 179 home runs.

He made his lone All-Star appearance in 1986 and teamed up with George Bell to give the Blue Jays a scary middle of the order. Barfield’s bat helped turn the Jays from expansion afterthoughts into real contenders.

Defensive Excellence and Gold Gloves

Barfield’s defense in right field was something else. His arm might be one of the best ever—he gunned down runners constantly. That earned him back-to-back Gold Gloves in 1986 and 1987.

Coaches like Sandy Alomar Sr. often talked about Barfield’s instincts and ability to read the ball off the bat. He made the tough plays look routine, whether it was a liner or a deep fly.

In 1985, Barfield racked up 22 outfield assists, which says a lot about his arm and accuracy. Even if his bat cooled off now and then, his glove and arm always made a difference for the Jays.

Notable Teammates and Relationships

Jesse Barfield spent 12 years in the majors, playing with some serious talent on both the Blue Jays and Yankees. The people around him helped shape his career—and sometimes, he shaped theirs.

Key Collaborations

Barfield’s best-known partnership came with George Bell and Lloyd Moseby. That outfield trio was something special in the mid-80s, combining speed, power, and highlight-reel defense.

He and Bell pushed each other to be better. In 1986, Barfield hit 40 homers while Bell launched 31. Their friendly rivalry kept things interesting.

In New York, Barfield worked closely with Don Mattingly, the team captain. Even though the Yankees struggled those years, both guys set a high bar for professionalism.

Young pitcher Al Leiter appreciated having Barfield behind him in the outfield, especially with that arm.

Influence in the Clubhouse

Barfield brought a steady, positive vibe wherever he played. In Toronto, he helped set the tone that eventually led the Jays to World Series wins after he left.

Younger players watched how he prepared and worked, and coaches often held him up as an example. After he retired in 1992, Barfield moved into coaching with the Houston Astros in 1995, then the Seattle Mariners in 1998 and 1999.

His baseball legacy lives on through his son, Josh Barfield, who made it to the majors in 2006.

Transition to the New York Yankees

Barfield’s career took a sharp turn when the Yankees traded for him in 1989. His arm and power made him a tempting pick-up for a team trying to rebuild.

Trade to the Yankees

On April 30, 1989, the Yankees sent young lefty Al Leiter to Toronto for Barfield. New York wanted more power and better defense in the outfield, and Barfield seemed like the answer. The Yankees were having a tough time finding consistency and needed a veteran presence.

Barfield joined a roster with stars like Don Mattingly and was expected to bring some pop from the right side. The Yankees valued his Gold Glove defense and that cannon arm—hoping he’d make an immediate impact.

At the time, the trade surprised a lot of people since Leiter was a top prospect, but the Yankees gambled that Barfield’s experience would help them compete in the tough AL East.

Performance and Impact at Yankee Stadium

Barfield’s time in Yankee Stadium was a bit of a mixed bag. In his first partial season (1989), he flashed some of his old power but couldn’t find a groove at the plate. His arm, though? Still a weapon in right field.

In 1990, Barfield had some bright spots but struggled with injuries. His home run numbers dropped off from his Toronto days, and Yankee Stadium’s layout didn’t help right-handed hitters much.

He played with guys like Don Mattingly and sometimes Roy White in the outfield. Unfortunately, the Yankees didn’t make the playoffs during Barfield’s stint in New York.

By 1992, injuries and a dip in production brought his Yankees run to an end. The team released him in November 1992, closing the book on his 12-year MLB career.

Highlights and Memorable Moments

Jesse Barfield’s career was packed with jaw-dropping plays and moments that showed off his skills at the plate and in the field.

Opening Day Performances

Barfield seemed to love Opening Day. In 1986, he kicked off what would be his best season with a home run for the Blue Jays, setting the tone for the months ahead. Fans still remember the sound of the ball leaving his bat and the umpire’s emphatic call as it sailed out.

He came through again in the 1987 opener, driving in key runs to help the Jays notch a win.

Barfield’s Opening Day appearances often put his all-around game on display—power, defense, and that unforgettable arm that kept runners glued to their bases.

Noteworthy Home Runs and Defensive Plays

Barfield’s power at the plate led to a bunch of memorable home runs over his career. He smashed 26 homers in just 104 games early on, which got him an invite to spring training and made it clear he could be a serious power hitter.

In 1986, Barfield topped the American League with 40 home runs, really sealing his reputation as one of the game’s top sluggers. Fans still talk about those towering shots that seemed to hang in the air forever.

But he didn’t just crush the ball—Barfield showed off a cannon of an arm in right field, gunning down runners and turning would-be doubles into outs with throws that almost looked unfair.

One play sticks out: he snagged a screaming line drive and, in one motion, fired to first base to double off the runner before he could scramble back. The place absolutely erupted when the ump called the runner out.

Jesse Barfield kept making highlight-reel plays for both the Blue Jays and Yankees, showing off his athleticism and instincts game after game.

Postseason Contributions and Playoffs

Jesse Barfield didn’t get to experience the playoffs much during his 12 years in the majors. Even with his power and Gold Glove defense, he only got one shot at postseason baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Postseason Appearances

Barfield’s only postseason came in 1985, when the Blue Jays finally made their first playoff appearance. He got to show what he could do on the October stage.

In the 1985 American League Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals, Barfield hit .280, picking up 7 hits in 25 at-bats. He added a home run and 4 RBIs during the seven-game battle. His arm in right field made a difference, but it just wasn’t enough to push the Jays to the World Series.

After that, Barfield never made it back to the postseason, even though he spent 12 seasons with the Blue Jays and Yankees.

ALCS and Pennant Pursuits

That 1985 ALCS against the Royals was Barfield’s one shot at a pennant. The Jays actually went up 3-1 in the series and looked like they’d break through to their first World Series.

But then the Royals clawed back, taking the last three games and the pennant, 4-3. Game 7 stung the most—Toronto lost 6-2 at Exhibition Stadium, and just like that, the dream was over.

Barfield never won a World Series. The Blue Jays got better after that, but they didn’t make the playoffs again until after he’d already left for the Yankees in 1989.

The Yankees teams from 1989-1992 didn’t reach the postseason either, so Barfield wrapped up his career without another shot at October.

Facing Prominent Pitchers and Teams

From 1981 to 1992, Jesse Barfield faced some of baseball’s toughest pitchers and teams. He swung hard from the right side and had a sharp batting eye, letting him compete against the best the American League had to offer.

Notable Opponents

Barfield went up against some real heavyweights, especially while playing for the Blue Jays and Yankees. The Boston Red Sox rotation in the ‘80s—guys like Roger Clemens—gave right-handed hitters nightmares, and Barfield was no exception.

He remembers the Detroit Tigers’ staff, especially Jack Morris and Dan Petry, as tough matchups. Morris’s split-finger fastball, in particular, gave Barfield fits.

Cleveland’s Tom Candiotti, with that knuckleball, frustrated a lot of hitters, but Barfield still managed to put up some nice power numbers at Municipal Stadium.

Baltimore’s Mike Boddicker and lefty Eric Bell also became familiar foes from all those AL East battles.

Historic Matchups and Duals

Barfield had some of his best moments in high-pressure games against top-tier pitching. He squared off with Ted Power of the Cincinnati Reds in interleague exhibitions and managed to hit for both power and average.

During his prime (1985-1987), people started comparing Barfield to other great right fielders—sometimes even Barry Bonds, who was just getting started back then.

Barfield never faced the Marlins or Rockies (they didn’t exist until after his retirement in 1992), but he still made his mark against the established National League teams in exhibitions and All-Star games.

Historians liked to point out similarities in his swing to legends like Hank Bauer—only Barfield had even more natural power. Some old-timers even said his quick wrists on inside fastballs reminded them of Babe Ruth. That’s high praise, honestly.

Recognition and Hall of Fame Considerations

Jesse Barfield racked up a lot of respect—awards, honors, and even some Hall of Fame talk. His rocket arm and steady play made him one of the most respected outfielders of his era.

Awards and Honors

Barfield’s defense got him two straight Gold Glove Awards (1986, 1987), and people still talk about his arm as one of the best in major league history.

His 1986 season was just ridiculous:

• Led the American League with 40 home runs
• Won the Silver Slugger Award
• Finished ninth in AL MVP voting
• Made the All-Star team

He hit .289 with 108 RBIs and a .927 OPS that year, all while playing his best ball in Toronto.

Hall of Fame Discussions

Barfield’s MLB Hall of Fame chances fizzled out pretty quickly. He landed on the ballot in 1998 but barely got any votes, so that was that.

A few things probably hurt his case:

• Only played 11 full seasons
• Career batting average of .256
• 241 career home runs

Still, baseball historians and analysts keep bringing up Barfield’s defensive wizardry and the way he could take over a game during his peak. His throwing arm, especially, set a standard a lot of guys still try to match.

Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Induction

In 2023, Barfield finally got some major recognition when the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inducted him. This honor really celebrated what he meant to baseball in Canada—especially how he helped the Blue Jays become a force in the ‘80s.

The induction called out his impact on and off the field in Toronto. Fans loved him, and he played a huge role in growing the game in Canada.

Before that, Barfield joined the Kinston Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990, which gave a nod to his minor league roots and early development.

Retirement and Legacy Since 1992

After stepping away from the game, Jesse Barfield shifted from big-league right fielder to baseball mentor and family man. Retiring ended a solid 12-year MLB career, but it also kicked off new adventures.

Retirement Decision and Final Season

Barfield played his last MLB season in 1992 with the Yankees. By then, at age 32, injuries had started to pile up. He just wasn’t the same guy who’d patrolled right field for the Blue Jays in the mid-80s.

In 1992, he got into only 30 games and hit just .137, managing 10 hits total. It was pretty clear the end had come.

Instead of bouncing around as a free agent trying to hang on, Barfield called it quits and focused on his growing family.

He walked away with 241 home runs, 716 RBIs, and a .256 batting average over 12 seasons—not too shabby.

Post-Retirement Life and Impact

Barfield didn’t disappear after baseball. He worked as a hitting instructor for several teams and shared his thoughts as a baseball analyst.

Players appreciated his honest takes on hitting and swing mechanics. His advice helped a lot of younger guys figure things out at the plate.

The Blue Jays honored him in 2007 by adding him to their Level of Excellence, recognizing his role in making Toronto a real baseball town in the ‘80s.

Unlike a lot of players from his era, Barfield’s legacy stayed clean—he never got caught up in the steroids mess that later rocked baseball. His name never popped up in any of those investigations or reports.

Family Baseball Connections

Barfield’s baseball legacy runs right through his sons—especially Josh Barfield. Josh picked up where his dad left off, making it to the majors in 2006 with the San Diego Padres.

Josh didn’t play outfield like Jesse. Instead, he held down second base during his four years in the MLB. He played for both the Padres and the Cleveland Indians, wrapping up his career in 2009.

Jesse felt a real sense of pride in Josh’s accomplishments and showed up at games to cheer him on. Their bond? It’s one of those father-son stories that gives baseball a little extra magic.

Jeremy, the younger son, played pro baseball too, though he never quite broke into the majors. Still, the Barfields kept their name alive in the sport, passing the love for the game down another generation.

Jesse stays busy with charity work and baseball clinics these days. He enjoys teaching young players and keeping his ties to the game that shaped his life.