Matt Barnes (baseball)
Matthew David Barnes[1] (born June 17, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, and Washington Nationals. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and 210 pounds (95 kg), he bats and throws right-handed.
For other people named Matt Barnes, see Matt Barnes (disambiguation).Matt Barnes
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Barnes throws a high-90s four-seam fastball, a curveball, and a changeup.[2] Prior to being drafted by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft, he played college baseball at University of Connecticut, where he was named a First Team All-American.
Early years[edit]
Barnes went to Bethel High School in Bethel, Connecticut. In high school, he was named to the All-State team.[3] He was also a member of the basketball team. Following his high school career, he was not chosen in the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.[4] He then enrolled at the University of Connecticut, where he pursued a degree in political science.
Amateur career[edit]
Barnes played college baseball for the Connecticut Huskies baseball team in the Big East Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Division I. As a freshman, he had a 5–3 win–loss record with a 5.43 earned run average (ERA) and 55 strikeouts in 53 innings pitched. As a sophomore, Barnes had an 8–3 record with a 3.92 ERA and 75 strikeouts.[5] In his junior season, Barnes had an 11–3 win–loss record and an 1.11 ERA with 97 strikeouts in fourteen games started during the regular season, as the Huskies won their first conference regular season title.[6]
Barnes was twice named to the All-Big East team.[6] Barnes was named Big East Pitcher of the Year in 2011.[7] He was also named to the 2011 College Baseball All-America Teams of the American Baseball Coaches Association and Collegiate Baseball.[8][9] He was added to the Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list in 2011.[10]
In 2009 and 2010, Barnes played collegiate summer baseball for the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[4][11][12] He also pitched for the United States national baseball team in the 2010 World University Baseball Championship, not allowing an earned run, as the United States won the silver medal.[6]
Personal life[edit]
Barnes began holding an annual baseball clinic at the Newtown, Connecticut, Youth Academy for elementary school students in December 2013.[48] Barnes was married in January 2019 to Chelsea Barnes.[49]
In 2024, Barnes became a part-owner of USL League One soccer team Texoma FC.[50]