Skeeters acquire outfielder Brian Barton

The Sugar Land Skeeters announced today that the club has acquired former Major League outfielder Brian Barton from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in exchange for future considerations. The announcement was made by Skeeters Manager Gary Gaetti.

Barton, 32, joins Sugar Land after playing 30 games for Southern Maryland this season, hitting .131 (14×107) with two home runs and seven RBI. The California native is currently in his fifth season of Atlantic League play, having spent time with Southern Maryland (2011-14), as well as Bridgeport (2010) and Newark (2010). In his 446 career Atlantic League games, the outfielder is hitting at a .295 (492×1669) clip with 218 RBI and 73 stolen bases. Over his 10 professional minor league seasons, Barton owns a .294 (1042×3541) average with 182 stolen bases and 508 RBI in 985 games.

Known for his community involvement and charitable efforts, Barton also wrote and published his first book “Mindset” while with Southern Maryland in 2012. The book, inspired by his time spent with troubled youth in the St. Louis area, is intended to encourage thought and self-awareness of influencing factors of the mind while suggesting courses of action to overcome mental weakness.

Originally selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 38th round of the June 2000 Draft out of Westchester High School (Los Angeles), Barton spent parts of two seasons in the Major Leagues with St. Louis (2008) and Atlanta (2009), playing primarily left and right field. In 83 career big league games, the righty hit .268 (41×153) with two homers and 13 RBI.


(fortbenderstar.com)