Rex Barney was a prominent American professional baseball player, best known for his time as a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). His career was marked by both remarkable achievements and notable challenges, with his powerful fastball being as famous as his struggle with control issues.

Barney began his professional career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, making his MLB debut in August 1943. He was just 18 years old at the time, making him one of the youngest players in the league. Despite his youth, Barney quickly made a name for himself with his impressive fastball, which was considered one of the fastest in the game.

However, Barney's early career was interrupted by World War II. He served in the military for two years, from 1944 to 1945, before returning to the Dodgers in 1946. Despite the interruption, Barney quickly regained his form and became a key player for the Dodgers.

The pinnacle of Barney's career came in 1948, when he threw a no-hitter against the New York Giants. This achievement cemented his status as one of the top pitchers in the league. However, despite his success, Barney struggled with control issues throughout his career. He was known for his high number of walks and wild pitches, which often undermined his performances.

Barney's control problems eventually led to the end of his playing career. After a particularly difficult season in 1950, during which he walked more batters than he struck out, Barney was released by the Dodgers. He attempted a comeback with the Miami Marlins in the International League in 1951, but was unsuccessful.

Despite the end of his playing career, Barney remained involved in baseball. He became a beloved figure in Baltimore, where he served as the public address announcer for the Baltimore Orioles for over 20 years. His signature phrase, "Give that fan a contract," whenever a spectator caught a foul ball, became a staple of Orioles games.

In total, Barney played seven seasons in the MLB, all with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He finished his career with a record of 35 wins and 31 losses, a 4.31 earned run average, and 336 strikeouts. Despite his struggles with control, Barney's powerful fastball and memorable performances, including his no-hitter, ensured that he left a lasting legacy in the world of baseball.

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