Marty Barrett – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Marty Barrett quietly built a reputation as one of baseball’s most reliable second basemen during the 1980s. The right-handed infielder spent nearly his entire career with the Boston Red Sox (1982-1990), winning over fans with his steady defense and knack for clutch hits. Barrett wrapped up his major league career in 1991 with the San Diego Padres, playing just a dozen games before he called it quits after a solid decade in the bigs.

Honestly, not many players matched Barrett’s level of consistency during Boston’s successful run in the mid-1980s. At 5’10” and 175 pounds, the California native never intimidated anyone physically, but his instincts and mental toughness made him a key piece for those Red Sox teams. He really made his mark in the 1986 postseason, setting a then-playoff record with 13 hits in the ALCS and snagging MVP honors—even though Boston’s World Series run ended in heartbreak.

After hanging up his cleats, Barrett mostly stayed out of the limelight. His career didn’t end the way he’d hoped—he sued his doctor in 1992 over a knee treatment dispute. Even with that tough ending, Barrett’s reputation as a consummate pro and a big part of Boston’s 1980s run is still secure in baseball circles.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Marty Barrett’s path to baseball stardom started long before those memorable Red Sox moments. Growing up in California and playing college ball at Arizona State University set the stage for his future as a skilled second baseman.

Family and Background

Martin Glenn Barrett was born on June 23, 1958 in Arcadia, California. Living in Southern California meant he could play baseball year-round, which definitely helped him develop his game early on. Baseball was a family thing—the Barretts loved the sport, and Marty’s brother, Tommy Barrett, also chased a baseball career. That made for a competitive but supportive home.

Barrett’s parents pushed both sports and academics, giving him a pretty balanced upbringing. They cheered on his baseball dreams but kept him focused on school, too. That balance paid off later when he headed to college.

Arcadia’s youth baseball scene gave Barrett plenty of chances to show off his skills as an infielder.

High School Baseball Achievements

At Arcadia High School, Barrett stood out as one of the best baseball players around in the late 1970s. Even back then, his defense shined—something that would become his calling card in the majors.

His high school stats told the story:

• High batting average
• Top-notch fielding percentage
• Leadership as team captain
• All-Conference honors

Coaches loved his baseball smarts and the way he read the game, especially as an infielder. That caught the eye of college scouts from all over.

His high school play put him on the radar as one of Southern California’s top prospects and set him up for college ball.

Collegiate Performance

Barrett took his talents to Arizona State University, joining a powerhouse college program. At ASU, he sharpened his skills while facing serious competition in the Pacific-10 Conference.

Playing for the Sun Devils, he:

• Developed his trademark patient approach at the plate
• Got even better defensively at second base
• Made connections with future MLB players and coaches
• Got noticed by pro scouts

His numbers in college showed steady improvement. Arizona State gave him a taste of top-tier coaching and competition, which prepped him for pro ball.

After college, Barrett got drafted and eventually made his name with the Boston Red Sox before closing out his career with the San Diego Padres in 1991.

Path to Major League Baseball

Marty Barrett’s route to the big leagues involved steady growth in the Red Sox farm system through the early ’80s. He made a name for himself with sharp fielding and contact hitting—skills that would later define his time in Boston.

Minor League Development

Barrett kicked off his pro career after the Red Sox picked him in the 1979 amateur draft. He looked like a natural at second base right from the start, and scouts praised his defensive skills and baseball IQ.

In the minors, Barrett worked hard on his contact hitting. He almost never struck out and showed great bat control—traits that would become his trademarks.

By 1982, Barrett landed in Pawtucket, Boston’s Triple-A team. His steady play—making contact and flashing the leather—got the organization’s attention.

His minor league stats backed up his strengths: high on-base percentage, low strikeouts, and top-level defense at second. The Red Sox saw him as a great fit when they needed infield help.

Spring Training Highlights

In the 1982 spring training, Barrett impressed Red Sox management with his defense and patient hitting. He turned double plays smoothly with the shortstop prospects during Grapefruit League matchups.

Manager Ralph Houk took a real interest in Barrett, working with him on situational hitting. That extra coaching helped Barrett become more than just a glove-first guy.

His work that spring earned him a call-up to the majors, though he bounced between Boston and Pawtucket that season. His effort and attitude during those spring tryouts showed the work ethic that would make him a Fenway favorite.

In the springs that followed, Barrett kept showing up and delivering. By 1984, he had locked down the Red Sox’s second base job for good.

MLB Debut and Rise with the Boston Red Sox

Marty Barrett broke into the majors with the Boston Red Sox in 1982. He quickly made a name for himself as a reliable second baseman who could hit for contact and play strong defense. His steady play earned him a permanent spot in Boston’s lineup by the mid-1980s.

Rookie Season Highlights

Barrett made his MLB debut on September 6, 1982 with the Red Sox after being a first-round pick in 1979. He spent a few years working through the minors before finally getting his shot.

His rookie year was short—just 8 games late in the season—but he showed flashes of what was to come. Even though his initial numbers were nothing special, scouts noticed his bat control and defensive skills.

By 1983, Barrett started getting more at-bats and slowly worked his way into the Red Sox’s plans. Coaches liked his patience at the plate and his steady glove.

Key Role in the Red Sox Lineup

By 1984, Barrett had cemented his place in the Boston lineup. He was a disciplined hitter with great bat control and usually hit second, setting the table for sluggers like Jim Rice and Wade Boggs.

He focused on making contact, not hitting for power, which made him perfect for hit-and-run plays. Barrett excelled at moving runners and putting the ball in play, and managers appreciated that.

The 1986 season was his breakout. He hit .286 and was remarkably consistent. In the postseason, he set an MLB record with 24 hits—just a clutch performer when it mattered.

Barrett’s knack for working counts and coming up big in key moments made him a crucial part of Boston’s offense during their pennant run.

Defensive Skills and Fielding

Barrett brought more than just a reliable bat to the Red Sox. His defense at second kept Boston’s infield steady throughout the ‘80s.

He was known for slick footwork around the bag and made turning double plays look easy. Barrett wasn’t the fastest or rangiest, but he read hitters well and always seemed to be in the right spot.

His fielding percentage was almost always among the best for AL second basemen. He had sure hands and a quick release, so you rarely saw him make a mental mistake.

He and shortstop Spike Owen formed a reliable middle infield duo. Coaches raved about Barrett’s baseball IQ and his ability to anticipate plays—he anchored the Red Sox defense for years.

Notable Seasons and Career Achievements

Marty Barrett carved out a reputation as one of the most dependable second basemen of the 1980s, especially when the games mattered most. He stood out for his postseason heroics and steady fielding during his Red Sox years.

The 1986 ALCS and World Series Performance

Barrett’s best postseason came in 1986, when he put on a show in the ALCS against the California Angels. He set a series record with 11 hits and took home ALCS MVP honors. His .367 average helped push Boston into the World Series.

He kept it going against the Mets, hitting .433 with 13 hits in the seven-game World Series. That set a new record for hits by a second baseman in the Fall Classic.

All told, Barrett collected 24 hits in the 1986 postseason, proving he could deliver when the lights were brightest.

Career Statistical Highlights

Over nine seasons with the Red Sox, Barrett put up a solid .286 batting average and earned a reputation for plate discipline. His best year was 1986: .286 average, 4 homers, 60 RBIs.

He made his mark as a contact hitter, fanning just 209 times in 3,378 at-bats. In 1987, he hit career highs with:

• 185 hits (7th in the AL)
• .293 average
• 69 RBIs
• 40 doubles

His career fielding percentage of .984 at second base speaks for itself. He hardly ever made errors and anchored one of the steadiest middle infields of the 1980s.

Memorable Games and Records

On April 22, 1986, Barrett came through with a walk-off single in the 11th against the Yankees—a classic clutch moment. That game summed up his reputation for delivering in the clutch.

He was tough to get out. In 1984, Barrett set a Red Sox record by reaching base 22 straight times, showing off his patience and contact skills.

Defensively, he flashed his skills on August 5, 1987, turning three double plays in one game against Detroit. That game showed just how good he was with the glove and how well he worked with his infield teammates.

Barrett finished his career with 1,082 hits, 174 doubles, and a .339 on-base percentage. He really was one of the most reliable second basemen of his era.

Relationships with Teammates and Managers

Marty Barrett built strong relationships throughout his time with the Red Sox and, briefly, the Padres. He connected with teammates and managers, earning a reputation as a steady second baseman and a respected presence in the clubhouse.

Team Dynamics and Leadership

Barrett showed up in the Red Sox clubhouse with a quiet professionalism—he wasn’t the loudest guy, but everyone noticed his steady approach. He got along especially well with Jerry Remy, who played second base before Barrett arrived in Boston. Instead of butting heads, Barrett learned from Remy and eventually stepped into the role himself.

Barrett and manager John McNamara clicked, especially in 1986. McNamara trusted Barrett’s baseball instincts and let him make his own calls at the plate, particularly when the pressure was on.

He worked well with sluggers like Dwight Evans and Don Baylor, always knowing his job was to get on base so they could drive him in. When Jim Rice or Carlton Fisk hit for extra bases, Barrett was usually the first to greet them back in the dugout.

Partnerships within the Infield

Barrett and shortstop Spike Owen became a reliable middle-infield duo for Boston in the mid-1980s. They turned double plays smoothly and communicated well on tricky grounders or pop-ups.

Barrett and first baseman Bill Buckner developed their own defensive signals and adjusted their positions based on who was batting and what was happening in the game. This partnership worked especially well in 1986, even with the infamous World Series error hanging over that year.

When Wade Boggs took over at third base, Barrett adjusted his own positioning to fit Boggs’ style and range. That left side of the infield really benefited from Barrett’s awareness and his knack for shifting at the right moment.

Barrett also helped backup infielders like Ed Romero, sticking around after practice to work on double-play pivots with younger guys. He put team success ahead of personal stats, and it showed.

Boston Red Sox Legacy

Marty Barrett made himself a key infield piece for the Red Sox through the 1980s, locking down second base and playing a big part in one of Boston’s most memorable stretches.

Impact on Red Sox History

Barrett joined a team with stars like Jim Lonborg and shared the field with some notable names during his career. But his real standout moment came in the 1986 postseason, where he set a playoff record with 24 hits and hit .367 over 14 games.

He stood out for his bat control and reliable glove—just what the Red Sox needed at second base after a string of less steady options following Mike Andrews’ departure.

Barrett came up big in the 1986 ALCS, earning the MVP award and solidifying his spot in Red Sox lore. His calm presence helped settle an infield that had seen a lot of turnover through the ’70s and early ’80s.

Notable Comparisons with Other Red Sox Players

Compared to other Red Sox second basemen, Barrett’s defensive steadiness really stands out. He didn’t have the power of someone like Reggie Smith (who moved to the outfield), but his .278 average and sharp eye at the plate made him valuable at the top of the order.

Barrett focused on contact hitting and situational play, unlike big hitters like Tony Conigliaro or Orlando Cepeda. His style was closer to a utility guy like Bernie Carbo, except Barrett was out there almost every day.

His nine years with the Red Sox (1982-1990) put him among the team’s longer-serving infielders. That kind of reliability reminded fans a bit of Billy Conigliaro’s steady play in the outfield a decade before.

Later Career: San Diego Padres

After wrapping up his time in Boston, Marty Barrett headed out west for a short final chapter in the big leagues.

Transition to the Padres

Barrett signed with the San Diego Padres for the 1991 season after the Red Sox released him. This move came on the heels of a successful malpractice case Barrett brought against the team’s doctor over a knee injury that had slowed him down in his final Boston years.

San Diego wanted Barrett to bring some veteran presence to their infield. He joined a group that included up-and-comers like pitcher Andy Benes and young players like Casey Candaele and Scott Coolbaugh. The Padres were rebuilding, so Barrett’s experience seemed like it could help out the younger guys.

He signed a one-year deal, probably hoping to squeeze a little more out of his career after eight full seasons in Boston.

Performance with the Padres

Barrett’s stay with the Padres ended up being short. He played just 12 games in 1991, picking up 3 hits in 16 at-bats for a .188 average before the team let him go in June.

His knee, which had bothered him in Boston, just didn’t bounce back. The mobility that made him a defensive asset was gone. The Padres saw he wasn’t producing and decided to move on early in the season.

When the Padres released him in June 1991, that pretty much closed the book on his major league career. Barrett retired after 10 seasons in the big leagues, with his brief time in San Diego tacked on to a career that was, for the most part, all about the Red Sox.

Challenges and Retirement in 1991

Marty Barrett’s playing days wound down in 1991 after a tough stretch of injuries and setbacks. That last season just proved too much to overcome.

Injuries and Disabled List Stints

A knee injury in 1989 started Barrett’s decline. He had surgery, but the recovery never really worked out. By 1990, he found himself on the disabled list more and more, playing just 49 games that year.

The same knee kept giving him trouble in 1991. After the Red Sox let him go, Barrett signed with San Diego, hoping for a fresh start. But the knee issues didn’t go away, and his defense at second base suffered.

He played only 12 games with the Padres, picking up just 3 hits in 16 at-bats. The quick hands and range that made him a staple in Boston were just no longer there.

Decision to Retire

After the Padres released him in June 1991, Barrett had a choice to make. At 32, with his health declining and his game not what it used to be, he decided to call it quits instead of chasing a comeback with another team.

He cleared waivers after a rehab stint, looked at free agency, but in the end, he just didn’t see the point in pushing his body any further.

Barrett later admitted in interviews that he knew his body couldn’t handle the grind anymore. That was it—a 10-year MLB career, highlighted by his MVP run in the 1986 ALCS, came to an end.

Post-Retirement Activities

After stepping away from the field in 1991, Marty Barrett stayed close to baseball, getting involved in coaching and working with young players. His experience at second base and at the plate made him a valuable mentor.

Coaching and Mentoring

Barrett moved into coaching after finishing up with the Padres in 1991. He put his focus on teaching infield fundamentals and hitting techniques. Since he was always known for his patient batting style, he made a natural fit as a hitting coach.

He worked with several minor league teams in the 1990s, stressing the mental side of hitting that helped him succeed in Boston. Barrett’s coaching focused on plate discipline and making contact, not just swinging for the fences.

Players liked his no-nonsense communication. He’d share stories from his playing days—especially about the 1986 World Series—to help make a point.

Role with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

Barrett later joined the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, a minor league club in California. Being from Arcadia, CA, the move made sense for him.

He worked as a hitting instructor, helping prospects develop a consistent approach at the plate. His focus on fundamentals helped several players climb the minor league ladder.

The Quakes valued his calm approach and patient teaching style. Sometimes he even filled in as interim manager. Barrett’s experience with the pressures of the majors—especially the postseason—gave him a unique credibility with young players.

Marty Barrett’s Place in Baseball History

Marty Barrett carved out his own spot in baseball history as a steady second baseman with a sharp eye at the plate and a knack for coming through in big moments. He didn’t put up huge power numbers, but his fundamentals and mental toughness stood out.

Recognition and Honors

Barrett’s biggest highlight came in the 1986 postseason, setting an MLB record at the time with 13 hits in the ALCS against the California Angels. That run earned him the ALCS MVP.

He never won a Gold Glove, but players and coaches around the league respected his defense. Barrett finished with a .984 fielding percentage—pretty solid.

His role in the Red Sox’s 1986 pennant run is still a big part of Boston baseball history. Even though the team lost the World Series to the Mets, Barrett hit .433 in the series.

His career numbers might not scream Hall of Fame, but they show a guy who got the job done:

• .278 career average
• .342 on-base percentage
• One of the best strikeout-to-walk ratios of his time

Influence on Future Generations

Barrett’s patient, contact-oriented approach at the plate influenced plenty of second basemen who came after him. As analytics took over the game, his ability to work the count and put the ball in play started to look even smarter.

Young Red Sox players often studied his approach to situational hitting. Barrett was known for fouling off tough pitches until he got one he could handle—a skill coaches still try to teach.

He also took part in the longest professional baseball game ever back in 1981, a 33-inning epic that’s become legendary.

Barrett’s reputation as a clutch player who stepped up when it counted most still gets mentioned by coaches and players. His calm, methodical, and strategic approach is something a lot of young guys try to copy.

Connections and References in Baseball

Marty Barrett built real relationships in baseball, facing legends and forming close bonds with teammates. He always seemed to show up in big moments, and people around the game still remember his steady hand under pressure.

Associations with Notable Opponents and Teammates

Barrett built some real connections during his years with the Boston Red Sox. He and shortstop Spike Owen clicked as a double-play combo in the 1986 season. That middle-infield chemistry? It played a huge role in Boston’s pennant chase.

He shared the field with some true baseball legends. Barrett went up against pitchers like Nolan Ryan and even faced Rod Carew near the end of Carew’s career. In early interleague games, he matched up with Barry Bonds—back when Bonds was just getting started.

In the clubhouse, players respected Barrett for his professionalism. He took time to mentor younger guys, like Luis Alicea, who eventually became Boston’s second baseman. Teammates often pointed to Barrett’s baseball smarts and work ethic, saying those qualities shaped how they approached the game.

Appearances in Major Games and Events

Barrett really shined during the 1986 postseason. In the ALCS against the California Angels, he hit an impressive .367 and grabbed MVP honors, even though the Red Sox looked like serious underdogs.

He kept up the momentum in the World Series against the New York Mets. Barrett racked up 13 hits—a record at the time for a single World Series. Boston lost in seven games, though. In that legendary Game 7, Jesse Orosco struck out the final batter, and it wasn’t Barrett at the plate.

Barrett faced off against AL East rivals like the Milwaukee Brewers during those tense pennant races. He even made it to the 1986 All-Star Game, sharing the field with big names like Hank Aaron and Dave Winfield.

After hanging up his cleats, Barrett spent a couple of years coaching for the Las Vegas Stars from 1992-1994, so he stayed close to the game after retiring.