Originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, Tony Barnette pitched for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows from 2010 to 2015. He returned to the US in 2016 and made his major league debut for the Rangers that year at the age of 32. He pitched for the Rangers from 2016 to 2018 and the Cubs in 2019, going 11-4 with 2 saves and a 3.53 ERA. He retired in 2020 and is now a scout for the Swallows. He kindly answered my questions about baseball cards.
"I’m in search of all my 2016 variations. I’m missing the 1/1 if it even exists. 
My favorite cards of myself come from Japan. 
Growing up south of Seattle, I watched and idolized Griffey Jr. I have his Bowman and Upper deck rookies and sheets of his cards. I got back into collecting in 2011, as my best friend is an avid collector. He has a room of his house dedicated to cards. We recently pulled an /50 Topps Chrome Luis Robert gold wave recently. That was an exciting rip. Project 2020 got my attention and I’m collecting the Trout and Griffey set. Any other card I like I will get as well. I really just enjoy the thrill of ripping packs. My daughters have grown fond of the rainbow foils."
Thanks!
What a great reply. I'm sure he's got some great stories about Japanese baseball, too.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool that he's collecting his rookie card. Hope he finds that 1/1.
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to read about players who collect their own cards - or cards of their peers. I like the BBM single.
ReplyDeleteThat’s really cool to hear his story about collecting earlier and then getting back into the hobby later on.
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