Len Barker – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Leonard Harold Barker III, who most folks know as Len Barker, put together a solid 11-year run in Major League Baseball before he finally called it quits in 1987. This big right-hander pitched for four different teams—Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers. Barker hit the peak of his career on May 15, 1981, when he threw the tenth perfect game in baseball history while pitching for the Cleveland Indians.

He was born on July 7, 1955, at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Barker grew into a true power pitcher—his fastball was fierce, and his curveball had real bite. People called him “Large Lenny,” which fit his 6-foot-4 frame and the way he owned the mound. Sure, he ended up with a 74-76 career record and a 4.34 ERA, but honestly, Barker’s story is about more than just numbers.

Len Barker’s journey is the classic tale of a small-town athlete who climbed through the minors and reached baseball immortality on one perfect night in Cleveland. He started as a three-sport standout in Pennsylvania and later became a businessman after baseball. Barker’s path gives you a glimpse into the kind of grit it takes to reach the top of pro sports—and how one magical moment can leave a lasting legacy.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Leonard Harold Barker III came into the world on July 7, 1955, at Fort Knox, Kentucky. His parents, Leonard and Emogene Barker, raised him.

He got his start as a young pitcher with some wildness in Pennsylvania, after his family moved there.

Family Background

Len’s parents, Leonard and Emogene (Lockcart) Barker, welcomed him at Fort Knox, Kentucky. His dad worked in a factory after the family settled in the heartland of Ohio.

Eventually, the Barkers moved to Pennsylvania, and that shift turned out to be key for Len’s baseball growth. His parents really backed his love for sports.

Barker fell in love with baseball as a kid. He pitched in American Legion ball, and even back then, you could see his talent, though he struggled to control his pitches. Those control issues stuck with him for a while.

High School Sports Achievements

The Barker family landed in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and Len went to Neshaminy High School. Neshaminy, about 26 miles north of Philly, became the place where his athletic career took off.

He became a three-sport star—football, basketball, and baseball. That kind of versatility? It really showed just how gifted he was.

But pitching was where he shined. Already towering at 6-foot-4, he picked up the nickname “Large Lenny.” His fastball? Overpowering and unmistakable.

Even though he sometimes walked a dozen batters in a game, scouts couldn’t ignore his arm strength. When he found the strike zone, he could throw no-hitters in high school, and that got people’s attention.

Draft and Signing with Texas Rangers

After graduating from Neshaminy, the Texas Rangers picked Barker in the third round of the 1973 amateur draft. The Rangers really loaded up on pitching that year.

They took David Clyde with the first overall pick, then grabbed lefty Rich Shubert in the second round. Barker going in the third round showed just how much they believed in building up young arms.

The Rangers saw Barker’s size, velocity, and potential and decided to take a chance, even with his control problems. Signing with the Texas Rangers organization kicked off his pro baseball life.

Major League Career Overview

Len Barker’s MLB career ran from 1976 to 1987. He racked up 74 wins, 975 strikeouts, and a 4.34 ERA while pitching for four teams. He really made his mark with the Cleveland Indians, where he threw a perfect game and led the American League in strikeouts twice.

Rise With Texas Rangers

Barker started his big league journey with the Texas Rangers in 1976, a few years after they drafted him. The Rangers had big plans for this tall righty, picking him right after David Clyde.

He debuted in the majors on September 14, 1976, facing the California Angels and getting a no-decision. Barker picked up his first MLB win in the last game of the season, shutting out the Chicago White Sox and Rich Gossage 3-0 with a complete game.

In 1977, Barker bounced between Triple-A Tucson and the majors. He made the most of it, posting a 4-1 record and a 2.66 ERA in 47⅓ innings. His 51 strikeouts showed the kind of stuff he had.

But control issues kept dogging him in Texas. In 1978, he had trouble finding consistency and ended up 1-5 with a 4.82 ERA. The Rangers wanted him as their closer after trading Adrian Devine, but he didn’t have a strong spring and lost that chance.

Success With Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians traded for Barker on October 3, 1978, sending Bobby Bonds and Barker to Cleveland for Jim Kern and Larvell Blanks. That trade changed everything for Barker.

He broke out in 1980, grabbing a spot in the rotation and putting up a 19-12 record with a 4.17 ERA. He led the American League with 187 strikeouts. After the All-Star break, he went on a tear—11-1 and dropped his ERA from 5.00 to 3.68.

Then came May 15, 1981, the night he threw the tenth perfect game in MLB history against the Toronto Blue Jays. Only 7,290 fans were in the stands, but Barker struck out 11 and didn’t let a single batter get to a three-ball count.

“That was one of the most unreal days of my life,” Barker said. “I knew I had good stuff, maybe even awesome stuff, when I started. But as the game went on, I had total command.”

After the 1981 players’ strike, Barker made the American League All-Star team and pitched two scoreless innings in the midsummer classic at Cleveland. Even in a shortened season, he led the league in strikeouts again, with 127.

Seasons With Atlanta Braves

Barker’s time in Cleveland ended on August 28, 1983, when the Atlanta Braves traded for him, sending Rick Behenna, Brook Jacoby, and Brett Butler the other way. The Braves wanted him for their NL West push and signed him to a five-year, $5 million deal.

But a bone spur in his right elbow was already slowing him down. His fastball dropped from the low 90s to the mid-80s, and it really hurt his performance. He went 1-3 in six starts for Atlanta, and the Braves didn’t win the division.

The elbow problems stuck around in 1984 and 1985. Barker had surgery in 1984, but rehab limited him the next spring. His Atlanta record ended up at 10-20 over three seasons.

The Braves released him after spring training in 1986. Injuries had really derailed what looked like a promising run after that perfect game.

Final MLB Years and Retirement

After Atlanta let him go, Barker signed with the Montreal Expos, but he spent all of 1986 in Triple-A Indianapolis. He kept trying for a comeback and joined the Milwaukee Brewers for 1987.

Barker started 11 games for Milwaukee in 1987, going 2-1. Arm trouble kept sending him to the disabled list. His last MLB outing came on September 26, 1987, against the Boston Red Sox.

After the season, Barker filed for free agency, but nobody picked him up. He retired with a 74-76 record and a 4.34 ERA over 11 seasons.

After baseball, Barker started Perfect Pitch Construction, a home-remodeling company. He stayed close to the sport, showing up at the Cleveland Indians’ fantasy camp and remaining a fan favorite in Cleveland.

The 1981 Perfect Game

On May 15, 1981, Len Barker reached baseball immortality when he threw the 10th perfect game in Major League Baseball history. The Cleveland Indians beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0 on a cold, misty night at Cleveland Stadium, and Barker retired all 27 batters he faced.

Game Highlights and Key Moments

That night was downright frigid, with the temperature dropping from 47 degrees at the start to the 30s by the end. Only 7,290 fans braved the cold at Cleveland Stadium.

Len Barker was in complete control, never letting a Blue Jays hitter get to a three-ball count. He threw 103 pitches and struck out 11, all swinging.

His curveball was nasty—pitching coach Dave Duncan saw Barker warm up and told manager Dave Garcia, “Lennie’s curveball is better than I’ve ever seen.”

The Cleveland Indians gave him early run support in the first inning. Rick Manning singled, Mike Hargrove reached on an error, Andre Thornton’s sacrifice fly scored Manning, and Ron Hassey’s single brought in Hargrove.

Jorge Orta added a solo homer in the eighth, making it 3-0.

A few defensive gems helped keep the perfect game alive. Third baseman Toby Harrah made a wild catch in the fifth, diving into the stands for Willie Upshaw’s foul pop. Second baseman Duane Kuiper made two key plays, including a tough throw to first to get speedy Alfredo Griffin in the seventh.

Impact on Cleveland Indians

The perfect game gave the Cleveland Indians and their fans a huge lift. The team sat atop the American League East at the time, and Barker’s historic performance kept their momentum rolling.

Cleveland baseball got national attention overnight. Beat writer Terry Pluto wasn’t there, so rookie reporter Tony Grossi covered the game, and his name went out in papers across the country.

Len Barker became a Cleveland celebrity instantly. He made the 1981 All-Star Game, held at Cleveland Stadium, and pitched two scoreless innings in front of 72,086 fans.

It was the second perfect game in franchise history—Addie Joss threw the first in 1908. It was also the first Indians no-hitter since Dennis Eckersley’s gem in 1977.

The rough weather made what Barker did even more impressive. The cold and wet could’ve messed with his control, but he kept command all night.

Legacy of the Perfect Game

Len Barker’s perfect game stands as one of the biggest moments in Cleveland baseball. As of 2016, it was still the last no-hitter by a Cleveland pitcher.

The game showed Barker could handle the pressure. He admitted he was nervous in the ninth, saying, “My legs were quivering,” and, “I was concentrating like crazy to keep myself together.”

Catcher Ron Hassey’s game-calling made a big difference. Barker praised him, saying, “Ron Hassey called a great game. Everybody was great.”

The Blue Jays handled defeat with class. Luis Leal, their starter, said, “If you have to lose I’m glad to lose to a guy who pitched a perfect game to beat me.” Dave Stieb added, “I’m jealous. I wish I could have done it. Lenny Barker made it look easy.”

Key Statistics from the Perfect Game:

• Strikeouts: 11 (all swinging)
• Pitches thrown: 103
• Three-ball counts: 0
• Attendance: 7,290

That night made Barker a permanent part of baseball history. Even though he finished with a 74-76 record and 4.34 ERA, the perfect game made sure people would remember his name.

Postseason and Career Statistics

Len Barker finished his career with 74 wins, 76 losses, a 4.34 ERA, and 975 strikeouts over 11 seasons. His most unforgettable moment came with the Cleveland Indians when he threw the tenth perfect game in baseball history on May 15, 1981.

Regular Season Performance

Barker’s career stats really tell the story of a hard-throwing pitcher who had a rough start but eventually found his stride in Cleveland. He spent 11 years in the majors, moving through four teams from 1976 to 1987.

Career Statistics:

• Win-Loss Record: 74-76
• Earned Run Average: 4.34
• Strikeouts: 975
• Games Played: 248
• Hits Allowed: 1,289 (8.8 hits per 9 innings)
• Walks: 513

In 1980, Barker had his best season with the Cleveland Indians. That year, he racked up 19 wins and 181 strikeouts, leading the American League in strikeouts.

He led the league in strikeouts again in 1981. This run of success landed him a spot in the 1981 All-Star Game, which, fittingly, took place in Cleveland.

The Texas Rangers picked Barker in the 1973 draft, and he made his MLB debut with them on September 14, 1976. He struggled with control, so the Rangers traded him to Cleveland in 1978 along with Bobby Bonds.

Notable Games and Accomplishments

Barker’s perfect game on May 15, 1981, is still his top achievement. Pitching for the Cleveland Indians against the Toronto Blue Jays, he tossed the tenth official perfect game in MLB history.

The Indians won 3-0 that chilly, damp Cleveland night. Rick Manning caught the final out—a fly ball in short center.

Barker had such sharp control that night he never went to a three-ball count against any Blue Jays hitter. That perfect game remains the most recent no-hitter by an Indians pitcher.

“I run into people almost every day who want to talk about it,” Barker said in 2006. “Everyone says, ‘You’re probably tired of talking about it.’ I say, ‘No, it’s something to be proud of.’ It’s a special thing.”

In 1983, the Atlanta Braves traded for Barker, sending Brett Butler, Brook Jacoby, Rick Behenna, and $150,000 to Cleveland. The Braves then signed him to a $4 million, five-year deal.

Pitching Style and Strengths

Barker built a reputation as a hard thrower but struggled with control early on. He threw some wild pitches, including one at Fenway Park in 1978 that sailed right over the backstop.

His fastball was his main weapon, and as he improved his command, his performance got a lot better. This progress helped him shine for the Cleveland Indians from 1979 to 1983.

He didn’t really stick in the majors until 1979, even though the Rangers drafted him back in 1973. Those control issues made things tough for him at the start.

After signing the big contract with the Atlanta Braves, Barker’s numbers dropped off. In 1984, he went 7-8 with a 3.85 ERA and then missed time due to an elbow injury.

He wrapped up his career in 1987 with the Milwaukee Brewers after Atlanta released him, even though he still had three years left on his contract.

Life After Baseball

When Barker retired in 1987, he dove into the construction business and coaching. He put family first but stayed close to baseball in different roles.

Coaching and Player Development

After nearly two decades running his construction company, Barker switched gears and started coaching. He now works as an assistant coach at Notre Dame College, helping college athletes who have to follow team rules or risk being cut.

His coaching philosophy is all about fundamentals and discipline. Barker likes the authority his role brings, joking that players “have to listen to me.”

He also volunteers as a youth baseball coach in Chardon, Ohio. Barker coaches his three young sons’ teams, including T-ball for six-year-olds.

With the youngest kids, he focuses on basic skills. Sometimes, his job is just to keep them from all running to the same spot and piling up.

He gets that little kids often ask, “Are we done yet?” since snacks are usually more important than practice. Honestly, that’s just how six-year-olds are.

Community Involvement

Leonard Harold Barker keeps his Cleveland baseball ties alive by working part-time in public relations for the Indians. This gig lets him stay connected to the team where he had his biggest moments.

He shows up for anniversary celebrations of his perfect game. Barker throws out ceremonial first pitches at special events, though he jokes about maybe tossing “it over the backstop.”

Cleveland fans still love him, and he was always a hit at the Indians fantasy camp. That perfect game from 1981 keeps drawing attention from fans and the media.

He talks about his career with current players and fans whenever they ask. Barker says, “I never get tired of being asked about it,” and you can tell he means it.

Personal Life and Family

After leaving baseball in 1987, Barker went through a divorce and jumped into the construction business. He started Perfect Pitch Construction, running it for about 18 or 19 years.

He eventually retired from construction after having knee-replacement surgery. The work got too physically demanding, honestly not that different from pitching.

Barker remarried and now has three young sons with his current wife, plus three grown kids from his first marriage. He lives in Chardon, Ohio, making sure he’s present for his younger children.

He admits he “missed a lot of that with my older kids when I was playing professional baseball.” Now, he’s “around a lot more” for his family.

Barker calls himself “a softy,” but he doesn’t really advertise that. He thinks showing emotion doesn’t make anyone “less of a man” and says he’s met a lot of men who don’t have much emotional depth.

For him, a perfect day just means “spending time with my family.” On holidays, he buys his wife candy, flowers, and cards, appreciating everything she does in their busy, male-heavy household.

Legacy and Influence in Baseball

Len Barker’s influence on baseball goes beyond his perfect game in 1981. He made Cleveland’s list of top 100 players and inspired a lot of pitchers who came after him.

Recognition and Awards

Barker earned a spot among baseball’s elite with several big achievements. He pitched two scoreless innings in the 1981 All-Star Game in front of 72,086 fans at Cleveland Stadium.

His perfect game is still the highlight of his career. On that cold May night, Barker threw the majors’ 10th perfect game and struck out 11 along the way. Not many pitchers have joined that exclusive club.

The Cleveland Indians put him in their Top 100 players of all-time, honoring his impact during his five seasons with them from 1979 to 1983.

He led the American League in strikeouts twice. In 1980, he had 187 strikeouts and a 19-12 record. In 1981, even with a strike-shortened season, he led the league again with 127 strikeouts.

Reputation Among Teammates

Barker’s teammates respected his dominant pitching and competitive fire. Indians infielder Toby Harrah summed it up after the perfect game: “Imagine, a perfect game and we’re all part of it; all of us and the entire city of Cleveland! It’s so great for everybody, especially this team.”

His curveball became the stuff of legend among those who saw it. During the perfect game, Barker threw it 70 percent of the time, and he didn’t go to a three-ball count all night.

Manager Dave Garcia called Barker “certainly one of the best pitchers in the American League.” That kind of praise says a lot about the respect he earned.

Pitching coach Dave Duncan also saw Barker’s potential, saying, “Lenny has the ability to be a big winner. Everyone knows that.”

Ongoing Influence in MLB

Barker’s perfect game still stands as the last no-hitter by a Cleveland Indians pitcher. That milestone feels huge in the franchise’s history, and people keep bringing it up whenever the team’s pitching comes up.

His story actually inspires a lot of young pitchers who struggle with control. Early on, Barker walked a lot of batters—sometimes even a dozen in a single American Legion game. Can you imagine how frustrating that must have been?

After he retired, Barker stuck with baseball. He showed up at the Indians’ yearly fantasy camp and quickly became a favorite with fans. That kind of presence helped him stay connected and influential in the Cleveland baseball scene.

Modern pitchers still look at his curveball and how he handled pressure. Barker somehow got stronger as games went on. During his perfect game, he struck out 11 of the last 17 batters, which is pretty wild. That approach still offers lessons for players now.