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)

Crabs bring back OFs Brian Barton and Cyle Hankerd; Sign RHP Eric Massingham

Looking to bolster his bullpen and lineup, Blue Crabs manager, Lance Burkhart, added three more players to his 2014 roster. On Friday, he announced the signing of outfielders Brian Barton and Cyle Hankerd along with the addition of right-handed pitcher Eric Massingham. Barton will be entering his fourth season in Southern Maryland while Hankerd will be returning for his second stint as a member of Crustacean Nation and Massingham will be entering his first season with the Crabs.

Barton, 31, will return to the Blue Crabs for a third straight year and fourth in his career. After missing significant time due to injury, Barton ended 2013 with a .262 batting average and 19 doubles in 97 games. The right-handed hitting outfielder enters 2014 fourth in franchise history in hits (350), doubles (63), triples (14), and batting average (.291).

Before coming to Southern Maryland, Barton spent a majority of his career playing Triple-A ball as part of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves farm organizations. Barton also appeared in 83 games for the Cardinals and Braves as a utility outfielder with a .268 average, 23 runs, 41 hits, 13 extra-base hits and 13 RBIs from 2008-09.

The Los Angeles, California native was originally signed by Cleveland as an amateur free agent in 2005 and made his major league debut on April 1, 2008 for the Cardinals. Barton last appeared in a major league uniform for Atlanta on June 3, 2009.


(smnewsnet.com)

A healthy state of mind has the power to alter any situation and change one’s life.

So says Brian Barton, the former Major League baseball player and outfielder for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. In 2012, Barton published his book, “Mindset: Awareness and Action.” The Los Angeles native had seen a lot during the course of his life and wanted to encourage people to make the most of their lives. Barton will speak Friday evening at the annual fundraiser for The Jude House, a Charles County-based addiction treatment center that sees patients from across the region.

Friday will not mark Barton’s first time working with The Jude House. He previously has spoken at one of their group sessions.

“I know that when you’re dealing with substance abuse ... it’s important to send a message of empowerment,” Barton said. “We have to be a vessel to help build people up.”

Barton said he plans to address “the importance of having a strong foundation” when he speaks Friday. Barton used hard hats as a metaphor, saying they’re worn on construction sites by people who are both building and destroying, and one must be mindful of the person wearing the hat.

“What’s important is we surround ourselves with those builders and not destroyers,” Barton said. “It’s the perspective you have when faced with these problems. I’m looking to send the message of a different way to see things. Instead of falling into the routine of life, you need to build one. It’s very easy to get sucked in. ... Sometimes you have to go against the current to actualize your dreams.”

Jude House board President Debbie Prohaska said Barton had approached her about speaking to the group at the house. After that talk, Prohaska said she knew they had to bring Barton back to speak again.

“It was so emotional, and the message he sent was so powerful,” Prohaska said. “He can reach these people, we feel. They can be the best. They just have to take the time to be the best. ... This is a steppingstone for them. [It’s about] teaching them that they have to make the right choices, and when they end their 120 days with us and get back in the world, the drug dealers, the liquor stores will all still be there. Nothing has changed there. [Barton] is a great speaker with a great story to share.”

Prohaska said this is the group’s annual fundraiser, and they are hoping to raise money to enhance the facility’s growing needs.

If you go

The Jude House will hold its annual fundraiser 7-10 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Jaycees center in Waldorf. Blue Crabs baseball player Brian Barton will speak. Tickets are $30. Call 301-932-0700 or email jhibusofc@comcast.net.


(somdnews.com)

Outfielder Brian Barton, Infielder Renny Osuna and Infielder Kody Hightower Are Newest Additions to 2013 Roster

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs manager Patrick Osborn continued to fill-in the 2013 roster, as he announced three more additions to the team today. Outfielder Brian Barton will rejoin the team this season, while infielders Renny Osuna and Kody Hightower will play their first season with Southern Maryland in 2013.

Barton, 30, will return to the Blue Crabs for a second straight year after finishing third on the team and 12th in the Atlantic League in batting average (.309) during the 2012 season. The six-foot-three, 190-pound Barton also finished among the top three for Southern Maryland in games played (130), runs (66), hits (153), triples (6), RBIs (60) and stolen bases (23), as well as owning the highest batting average (.375) for the Blue Crabs during their 2012 playoff run.

Before coming to Southern Maryland, Barton spent a majority of his career playing Triple-A ball as part of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta braves farm organizations. Barton also appeared in 83 games for the Cardinals and Braves as a utility outfielder with a .268 average, 23 runs, 41 hits, 13 extra-base hits and 13 RBIs from 2008-09.

The Los Angeles, Calif. native was originally signed by Cleveland as an amateur free agent in 2005 and made his major league debut on April 1, 2008 for the Cardinals. Barton last appeared in a major league uniform for Atlanta on June 3, 2009.


(smnewsnet.com)