Barry Bonnell

Who is Barry Bonnell?

Robert Barry Bonnell, is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball.

He was a star athlete at Milford High School near Cincinnati, Ohio, where he played both varsity baseball and basketball on championship teams. Following high school graduation in 1971, he attended the Ohio State University on a full athletic scholarship where he played both baseball and basketball. He married his high school sweetheart and left college during his senior year to play Major League Baseball. He was the first pick in the 1975 Major League Baseball Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.

During his 10-year major league career, Bonnell played for the Atlanta Braves of the National League, and for the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners of the American League. His major league debut with the Braves was in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 4, 1977. While with the Braves, Bonnell, a devout Mormon, introduced Dale Murphy to the faith.

His best year was 1983, when he hit .318 for the Blue Jays. Known by his peers as a "money hitter" Bonnell hit four grand slams during his career and led his teams in game-winning hits nearly every year he played. With a strong and accurate throwing arm, Bonnell was respected by baserunners in both leagues.