Player Profile: Ricky Barlow

I have one card of Ricky Barlow, from 1987 TCMA.

Playing career: The Tigers first round draft pick in 1981, Ricky Barlow pitched in their organization through 1987. In 1984, he went 1-17 with a 6.79 ERA for Class-A Lakeland, walking 101 and striking out 65. In 1985, he started the season at Lakeland. Because he “improved” to 1-7 with a 5.54 ERA and a 27/35 BB/K ratio, he was promoted to AA Birmingham, where he went 1-5 with an 8.38 ERA, walking 55 and striking out 39. Overall, in seven seasons, he went 23-58 with a 5.56 ERA, walking 434 and striking out 386.

Interesting facts: In his book Going the Other Way, Barlow’s teammate Billy Bean said “Ricky was known as ‘Watercan’ because of his ability to suck down beer like water.”

My memories: Only know him from his card.

Where he is now: Anyone know where Ricky Barlow is now?

Google Autocomplete results: He is first when you type Ricky Barl, ahead of Ricki Barlow City Council, a Las Vegas politician. Another prominent Ricky Barlow is a financial advisor in Florida.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Clint Barmes.