Barry Bonnell Explained

Barry Bonnell
Position:Outfielder
Birth Date:27 October 1953
Birth Place:Mariemont, Ohio, U.S.
Bats:Right
Throws:Right
Debutleague:MLB
Debutdate:May 4
Debutyear:1977
Debutteam:Atlanta Braves
Finalleague:MLB
Finaldate:July 12
Finalyear:1986
Finalteam:Seattle Mariners
Statleague:MLB
Stat1label:Batting average
Stat1value:.272
Stat2label:Home runs
Stat2value:56
Stat3label:Runs batted in
Stat3value:355
Teams:

Robert Barry Bonnell (born October 27, 1953) is an American former outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). After playing basketball and baseball for the Ohio State University (OSU), he played baseball for the Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners between 1977 and 1986.

Early life

Bonnell was a star athlete at Milford High School near Cincinnati, Ohio, where he played both varsity baseball and basketball on championship teams. Following high school graduation in 1971, Bonnell attended OSU on a full athletic scholarship where he played both baseball and basketball. Bonnell left college during his senior year to play MLB. The Philadelphia Phillies made him the first overall pick in the 1975 MLB January Draft – Secondary Phase (for college players who had been previously drafted out of high school).

MLB career

During his 10-year MLB career, Bonnell played for the Atlanta Braves of the National League, and the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners of the American League. His major league debut with the Braves was in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 4, .

His best year was, when he hit .318 (10 HR, 54 RBI and 10 SB) for the Blue Jays. Known by his peers as a "money hitter", Bonnell hit four grand slams during his career and led his teams in game-winning hits nearly every year he played. Bonnell was known for his strong and accurate throwing arm.

Traded to the Seattle Mariners in, he contracted Valley fever during spring training, and developed pneumonia.[1] Bonnell struggled to play with the affliction. It took a year to recover and he served his remaining two years as a bit player.

Personal life

Bonnell married his high school sweetheart, Stefnie Stapp. Bonnell is a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he introduced Braves teammate, Dale Murphy, to the faith.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Where've you gone, Barry Bonnell?. Fordin. Spencer. 24 June 2003. MLB.com. 9 June 2010.