Jim Barr – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jim Barr’s name probably doesn’t jump out at most casual baseball fans, but he carved out a spot in Major League Baseball history with one of the sport’s wildest records. He pitched for 12 seasons in the majors, mostly with the San Francisco Giants, then wrapped up his career in 1983. Born in Lynwood, California, Barr grew into a reliable starter and gave the Giants steady outings through the 1970s.

In 1972, Barr did something no other pitcher has managed—he retired 41 consecutive batters over just two starts. This remarkable achievement happened early in his Giants career and still stands as one of baseball’s coolest streaks. Other pitchers have reached or topped that number, but Barr’s the only one who pulled it off in only two games.

But there’s more to Barr’s career than just that record. He was a dedicated pitcher who notched at least ten wins for five straight seasons and played a key role in the Angels’ 1979 playoff push. His path from USC standout to seasoned pro, plus his coaching and his family’s own athletic moments, paints a picture of a guy whose impact went way past just what happened on the mound.

Early Life and Education

James Leland Barr was born on February 10, 1948, in Lynwood, California. There, he found his love for baseball and eventually became a star at the University of Southern California, before the San Francisco Giants drafted him in 1970.

Childhood and Hometown

James Leland Barr came into the world on February 10, 1948, in Lynwood, California. The warm Southern California weather made it pretty easy for a young kid to play baseball all year.

Growing up in Lynwood in the 1950s and 60s, Barr soaked up the area’s baseball culture. California’s climate let him play constantly, something players from colder states couldn’t do.

He stood out as an athlete early on. Barr’s natural ability as a right-handed pitcher would eventually become his calling card.

His family had strong athletic roots, too. His brother Mark pitched in the Boston Red Sox farm system during the 1970s, so baseball just ran in their blood.

High School Baseball Journey

Barr’s high school baseball days really set him up for what came next. He kept sharpening his pitching skills during those years.

As a righty, he started to get attention from college scouts. His control and poise on the mound made colleges take notice.

Soon, his talent caught the eye of major programs, especially the University of Southern California. Recruiters liked what they saw in him.

Barr worked hard in high school, always trying to get better. That work ethic and talent made him a top prospect for college coaches.

University of Southern California Achievements

Barr chose the University of Southern California, where he played with future MLB star Dave Kingman. That pairing worked out pretty well for the Trojans.

During Barr’s time, the USC baseball team won NCAA championships in both 1968 and 1970. He played a big part in those wins.

He got to show off his pitching against some of the best college players in the country. Playing in those high-stakes games gave him the experience he’d need as a pro.

In 1970, Barr graduated from USC with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Balancing school and baseball wasn’t easy, but he pulled it off.

His stretch at USC proved he could hang with the best in amateur baseball. Those championships and his own stats made him a hot target for MLB teams.

Draft and Road to MLB

Before he finally signed with the San Francisco Giants, Barr went through the draft several times. Teams like the California Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Minnesota Twins all tried to snag him.

The Giants picked him in the third round of the 1970 MLB draft, during the secondary phase, making him the 49th overall pick.

That summer, Barr signed with the Giants after finishing up at USC. The timing worked out—he moved straight from college ball to the pros.

MLB teams kept circling him through multiple drafts, which says a lot about his reputation. The Giants stuck with it and, honestly, it paid off for both sides.

Signing with San Francisco kicked off what would be a 12-year MLB career, mostly with the Giants, the team that really believed in him.

Major League Baseball Debut and the San Francisco Giants

Jim Barr kicked off his MLB career with the San Francisco Giants in 1971, making his debut at 23. He started out in the bullpen but soon became a reliable starter, anchoring the Giants’ rotation through much of the 1970s.

Joining the Giants in 1971

The Giants drafted Jim Barr in the third round in 1970 after his big run at USC. His college teammate Dave Kingman also made it to the majors.

Barr had already been drafted five times by other teams, but the Giants finally got him to sign after he graduated with a business administration degree.

The right-handed pitcher debuted in the majors on July 31, 1971, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. At 23, he played in 17 games during his rookie year.

He mostly pitched out of the bullpen and finished with a 1-1 record and a 3.57 ERA that first season. That performance earned him a spot for the next year.

Transition from Bullpen to Starting Rotation

Barr moved into the Giants’ starting rotation halfway through the 1972 season. He handled the jump well and took on the extra work.

He passed rookie limits that year, so he was officially a full-fledged big leaguer. Barr’s time as a starter showed he could handle the job.

This new role let him show off his durability and consistency. He got a reputation for pitching deep into games and giving the team quality innings.

The Giants’ coaches saw his potential as a starter because of his control and pitching smarts. Maybe his business background from USC helped him think through things on the mound.

Performance and Notable Seasons (1971–1978)

Barr put up at least ten wins for the Giants every year from 1973 to 1977. He landed in the National League’s top ten for ERA and shutouts three times in that stretch.

His best stat line came in 1974, when he led the league by allowing just 1.76 walks per nine innings. That’s some serious control.

He also ranked among the top ten twice for complete games and innings pitched. Barr was known for being durable and finishing what he started.

He stayed with the San Francisco Giants through 1978 before becoming a free agent. That seven-year run made him a steady veteran in their rotation.

Historic MLB Record: Consecutive Batters Retired

Jim Barr pulled off one of baseball’s wildest pitching feats in 1972 by retiring 41 straight batters across two starts. That record stood for years and is still the only streak of its kind done in just two games.

Setting the Record in 1972

Barr set his famous record in 1972, just a year after USC. The Giants had called him up midway through the 1971 season.

He joined the starting rotation in the middle of 1972. Even though he never threw a no-hitter or perfect game, Barr did something just as impressive that summer.

The streak started in a game against the defending World Series champs, the Pittsburgh Pirates, at Candlestick Park on August 23, 1972. Barr threw a dominant two-hit shutout that day.

He kept the streak going into his next start. That record came during just his second year in the majors.

Details of the Streak

Barr’s streak began in the third inning of his first game. He kept setting hitters down through the end of that complete game shutout.

He carried the streak into his next start, continuing his dominant pitching. No one reached base during that run.

Key Details:

• Duration: Two complete starts
• Batters retired: 41 consecutive
• Opponent: Started against Pittsburgh Pirates
• Venue: Candlestick Park, San Francisco

The record showed off Barr’s control and command. He mixed up his pitches and kept hitters guessing both games.

Legacy and Comparisons to Later Pitchers

Bobby Jenks of the Chicago White Sox tied Barr’s record in 2007, but he did it over 14 relief outings across multiple games.

Mark Buehrle broke the record in 2009, retiring 45 straight batters over three starts. That run included a perfect game, which was pretty unforgettable.

Yusmeiro Petit of the Giants set the current mark in 2014 with 46 consecutive batters retired, breaking Buehrle’s record.

Record Progression:

• Jim Barr (1972): 41 batters
• Bobby Jenks (2007): 41 batters (tied)
• Mark Buehrle (2009): 45 batters
• Yusmeiro Petit (2014): 46 batters

Barr’s still the only pitcher to retire at least 41 in just two games. Even though others have broken the record, his streak is one of a kind.

Career with the California Angels and Return to the Giants

Barr left San Francisco in 1978 and that move shifted his career. He had some ups and downs with the California Angels before heading back to the Giants to finish his playing days.

Signing with the California Angels

After the 1978 season, Barr hit free agency and signed with the California Angels. For the Lynwood native, it was kind of a homecoming, since the Angels had drafted him a few times before the Giants finally landed him.

The Angels were building a contender and Barr’s steady record with the Giants made him a good fit for their pitching staff.

He joined the Angels just as they were putting together their first playoff team in franchise history.

Notable Games and Challenges

Barr’s first season with the Angels in 1979 went well for both him and the team. He won 10 games and helped them take the American League West.

The Angels made the playoffs for the first time ever that year. But Barr’s postseason ended before it started.

During the team’s celebration, Barr broke his hand punching a toilet at a party. Yeah, you read that right. That injury kept him out of the playoffs.

Things got tougher in 1980 as Barr battled arm injuries. Those problems limited his time on the mound and the Angels released him at the end of spring training in 1981.

Second Stint with the Giants

After his release from the Angels, Barr went to the minors and pitched for the Edmonton Trappers, the White Sox’s farm club, during the 1981 season. That stint helped him work his way back.

The San Francisco Giants gave Barr another shot in 1982. He returned to the team where he’d made his name.

His role had changed a lot—he mostly pitched in relief now. Barr appeared in 53 games for the Giants in 1982.

Final MLB Appearances and Retirement

Barr wrapped up his final season in 1983 with the Giants. He showed his durability by pitching in 53 games for the second year in a row.

On October 2, 1983, he made his last MLB appearance, closing out a 12-year professional run. Barr ended up with 101 wins, 112 losses, and a career ERA of 3.56.

He played from 1971 to 1983, racking up 741 strikeouts in 481 games. The 41 consecutive batters he retired in 1972 still stands out as his biggest achievement.

Once he retired, Barr jumped into coaching and spent 16 years as pitching coach at Sacramento State University.

Pitching Style, Statistics, and Impact

Jim Barr built his reputation as a reliable righty with great control and consistency over 12 seasons. He posted a 3.56 ERA and 101 career wins for the San Francisco Giants and California Angels between 1971 and 1983.

Pitch Types and Control

Barr leaned on precision and location, not raw power. As a right-hander, he earned a name for exceptional control throughout his whole career.

In 1972, he really showed off that control. Barr retired 41 batters in a row over two starts, setting a record that proved his accuracy.

He focused on hitting his spots and mixing up speeds. Barr worked through lineups by keeping walks low and forcing hitters to put the ball in play.

He liked to get ahead in the count, which let him control at-bats and keep hitters guessing.

Statistical Overview

Barr put up solid numbers in his 481-game career. He finished with 101 wins, 112 losses, and a 3.56 ERA over 12 seasons.

Career Statistics:

• Games: 481
• Wins: 101
• Losses: 112
• ERA: 3.56
• Strikeouts: 741

He spent most of his career with the San Francisco Giants from 1971-1978 and again from 1982-1983. Barr also pitched for the California Angels from 1979-1980.

You could see his consistency in his workload. Barr averaged over 40 games a season, proving he was a reliable pitcher.

Pitching Milestones and Honors

Barr’s streak of 41 consecutive batters retired in 1972 remains his standout feat. That record really highlighted his control and focus when it mattered most.

He earned respect for his steady work with the Giants and became a trusted part of their pitching staff in the 1970s.

He debuted on July 31, 1971, and pitched through the 1983 season. Barr kept things steady and effective the whole way.

His impact went beyond the numbers. Barr’s work ethic and professionalism made him a respected figure in every clubhouse he joined.

Legacy, Post-Retirement Activities, and Personal Life

Jim Barr retired from Major League Baseball in 1983 and started a new chapter focused on coaching, family, and staying connected to baseball. His work in baseball education and his daughters’ athletic success have kept the Barr name out there in the sports world.

Induction into the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame

The San Francisco Giants honored Jim Barr by putting him on the Giants Wall of Fame. That recognition reflects his eight seasons with the team over two separate stints.

Barr’s streak of 41 straight batters retired in 1972 is still a big deal in Giants history. The record stood for 35 years until Bobby Jenks matched it in 2007.

During the 1970s, Barr’s consistent performance helped him become a reliable starter. He won at least ten games five years in a row from 1973 to 1977.

The Wall of Fame nod celebrates more than just numbers—it highlights his role in Giants history during some pretty competitive years. His 101-112 record and 3.56 ERA speak for themselves.

Coaching and Contributions to Baseball

After hanging up his cleats, Barr dove into coaching and baseball education. He spent 16 years as pitching coach at Sacramento State University, passing along what he learned in the majors.

Barr worked with young pitchers, teaching them the fundamentals that helped him succeed at baseball’s highest level.

He brought a lot of insight from his time with both the Giants and Angels, which proved valuable for developing college players.

Sixteen years of coaching at Sacramento State shows real commitment to baseball education. That’s a big contribution to the sport beyond just playing.

Family and Personal Interests

Jim Barr lives with his wife, Susie, in Granite Bay, California. They’ve built a life around family and sports.

His daughters, Betsy and Emmy, both found success in professional soccer, picking up the athletic torch.

Daughters’ Athletic Achievements:

• Betsy Barr: Played soccer at the University of Portland, drafted by San Jose CyberRays in 2003
• Emmy Barr: Attended Santa Clara University, played three seasons with Washington Freedom

Both daughters played in the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), showing the family’s athletic streak goes way beyond baseball. Their success in soccer proves that athletic talent can cross over into different sports.

Baseball runs in the wider Barr family, too. His brother, Mark Barr, pitched in the Boston Red Sox farm system during the 1970s, though he never made it to the majors.

Influence on Future Pitchers

Barr’s run of retiring 41 consecutive batters still inspires both pitchers and baseball fans. Honestly, it’s wild that he managed this in just two games—a record that stands out in Major League Baseball history.

Other pitchers have broken his overall record, sure, but nobody has pulled it off in only two starts like Barr did. Mark Buehrle and Yusmeiro Petit needed more games and even relief appearances just to get past the 41-batter mark.

Barr threw complete games against the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals during his streak. He started the run in the third inning of one game and kept it going through the seventh inning of the next.

Modern pitchers often look at Barr’s approach when they want to improve their consistency and control. In 1974, he led the league with just 1.76 walks per nine innings, which really shows the kind of precision that helped him set that incredible record.