Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Player Profile: Francisco Barrios

I have four cards of Francisco Barrios. This one is from 1981 Fleer.

Playing career: Francisco Barrios came up to stay with the White Sox in 1976, where he was used both as a starter and a reliever, most prominently combining with John Odom on a no-hitter. For the next three years he was a solid starting pitcher for the White Sox. Injuries beginning in the 1979 season robbed him of his effectiveness. He only pitched in eleven games in 1980 and 1981 as his life began to fall apart due to the influence of drugs and alcohol. In 1981, he was arrested for disorderly conduct after a hotel fight with Steve Trout on April 30. On June 24, 1981, he was arrested again after a bar fight, and was charged with cocaine possession as well as disorderly conduct. The next day he checked into rehab for both drug and alcohol abuse. At the end of the season he was released by the White Sox. He was invited to spring training by the Brewers in late February 1982 but never showed up. He died of a drug-related heart attack on April 9, 1982 in his parents’ home in Mexico, leaving a wife and a five-year-old daughter. A full account of his career can be found at the 1977 Topps and 1980 Topps blogs.


My memories: He was from before my time. Only know him from his card.

Google Autocomplete results: He is eighth when you type Francisco Ba, between Francisco Bayeu, an eighteenth century Spanish painter, and Francisco Barrios Musician, a Mexican composer. 

Coming up next: The next profile will be Anthony Barron.

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