Kevin Barker is a former professional baseball player who played as a first baseman and outfielder. He was born on July 26, 1975, in Bristol, Virginia, and attended Virginia Tech University. Barker was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the third round of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft.
Barker made his Major League debut with the Brewers on September 1, 1999, and played in 11 games that season. He spent the next few years bouncing between the Brewers and their minor league affiliates. In 2002, Barker was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he played in 25 games that season.
Over the course of his career, Barker played for several different teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians, and Chicago Cubs. He was known for his power hitting and ability to play multiple positions, including first base and outfield.
Barker's best season came in 2006, when he played for the Blue Jays. He hit .283 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs in 70 games that season. However, he struggled with injuries throughout his career, which limited his playing time and ultimately led to his retirement in 2010.
After retiring from baseball, Barker became a coach and instructor. He has worked with several minor league teams, including the Buffalo Bisons and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. He has also worked as a hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Overall, Kevin Barker had a solid career as a professional baseball player. While he never became a star player, he was a reliable contributor who could play multiple positions and hit for power. After retiring from playing, Barker has continued to work in baseball as a coach and instructor, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
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