Michael Barrett

Michael Barrett is a catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays.

On December 29, 2008, news agencies reported that Michael Barrett had signed a contract to play for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2009. In 2008, Barrett hit .202 with nine runs batted in and two home runs.ESPN.com: Jays add catcher Barrett (December 29, 2008)

Michael Patrick Barrett was born in Atlanta, Georgia on October 22, 1976. He attended high school at Pace Academy. In 1995, Barrett decided to forgo college and declare himself eligible for the Major League Baseball amateur draft. He was selected by the Montreal Expos with the 28th pick in the draft.

On September 19, 1998, Barrett made his Major League debut with the Montreal Expos. In 1999, Barrett had his breakout season with the Expos appearing in 126 games for the team. In his first full season he Barrett hit .293 with 52 runs batted in and 8 homeruns. In 2003, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics, then immediately to the Chicago Cubs for catcher Damian Miller.

During a game between the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs on June 1, 2007, Barrett and pitcher Carlos Zambrano got into a fight that put Barrett in the hospital.ESPN: Zambrano, Barrett brawl in dugout during Cubs' loss (June 1, 2007)

After allowing the Atlanta Braves to get five runs at the top of the fifth inning, Barrett was confronted by Zambrano in the dugout before the bottom half of the inning. Zambrano was seen yelling and pointing at his head. That action was followed by some shoving and slapping between the two players. The fight turned serious and players had to be physically seperated. Barrett ended up with a cut lip that required stitches. The Cubs lost the game to the Braves 8-5.ESPN: Zambrano, Barrett brawl in dugout during Cubs' loss (June 1, 2007)

Barrett was later traded to the San Diego Padres from the Chicago Cubs on June 20, 2007 for backup catcher Rob Bowen and outfielder Kyler Burke.ESPN: Barrett traded to Padres for two players (June 20, 2007)

• Mahalo's Guide to the Toronto Blue Jays
• ESPN.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 210
  • Rookie Year: 1998