Barry has a somewhat pained expression on his face. I actually like the fact that cards like this exist. It would be boring if all posed card photos featured players smiling brightly. Sometimes a guy just has to grimace, or glower, or just stare off into the distance.
Fun facts about Barry Latman:
-A Los Angeleno by birth, Barry attended the University of Southern California before signing with the White Sox in 1955.
-He debuted with Chicago in September 1957 at age 21 and earned his first career win on the 15th with two innings of scoreless relief against the Senators.
-Spent only the final two months of the 1958 season in the majors but turned heads, allowing four earned runs in 47.2 innings (0.76 ERA). Did not permit a run in his final 18 innings of work, including a three-hit, nine-strikeout shutout of the Athletics in his season finale.
-Was a swingman, never receiving more than 21 starts in a single year but starting in 39% of his total appearances.
-After an 8-5 record and 3.75 ERA in his first full season (1959), Barry was traded to the Indians for pitcher Herb Score.
-Was an All-Star in 1961, setting or tying career highs in wins (13-5 record), shutouts (two), and saves (five).
-Had a rocky three-year stretch from 1962-1964, posting a 21-35 record with a 4.32 ERA for Cleveland and the Angels.
-Actually wound up back in AAA during the 1965 season; despite a 2.84 ERA in 18 relief appearances for the Halos, he allowed baserunners at a career-worst 1.5 per inning rate.
-Finished his career with the Astros, pitching to a strong 2.71 ERA in 1966 before backsliding in his final year in the bigs. In parts of 11 seasons he was 59-68 with 16 saves and a 3.91 ERA.
-If Wikipedia is to be believed, Barry currently lives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with his wife Patti.
I always thought this guy would have been a lot cooler if his name was Larry Batman.
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