TTM Stats
- Sent: 5/14/2022 | Received: 6/17/2022 | 33 Days
- ’78 Topps, ’81 Fleer (2), ’86 Fleer, ’86 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 11/28/2023 | Received: 12/19/2023 | 21 Days
- ’80 Topps, ’81 Fleer, ’82 Topps, ’83 Fleer, ’84 Topps, ’85 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 7/2/2024 | Received: 7/27/2024 | 25 Days
- ’79 Topps, ’80 Topps, ’82 Donruss, ’82 Fleer, ’85 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Barry Bonnell was a steady and versatile outfielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for a decade, contributing to multiple teams with his solid hitting, strong defense, and all-around athleticism. Though he never reached superstar status, Bonnell carved out a respectable career and made an impact on the game.
Barry Bonnell was born on October 27, 1953, in Mariemont, Ohio. A talented athlete, he played college baseball at Ohio State University before being drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 31st round of the 1971 MLB Draft. However, he opted not to sign at that time. Four years later, in 1975, the Philadelphia Phillies selected him with the first overall pick of the secondary phase. But before he would appear in the majors he was traded to the Braves with Jim Essian for Dick Allen and Johnny Oates.
Bonnell made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves on May 4, 1977. Over his three seasons in Atlanta, he played multiple outfield positions and occasionally filled in at third base. His versatility made him a valuable asset for the Braves, and he showed promise as a hitter.
After the 1979 season, Bonnell was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he became a regular in the lineup. During his tenure in Toronto, he posted some of his best offensive numbers. In 1980, he batted .268 with 13 home runs and 56 RBI. His best season came in 1983 when he hit .318, showcasing his ability to hit for average.
Bonnell finished his career with the Seattle Mariners, joining the team in 1984. While he wasn’t a power hitter, he continued to provide reliable at-bats and steady outfield play. He retired after the 1986 season with a career batting average of .272, 56 home runs, and 355 RBI over 976 games.
After retiring from professional baseball, Bonnell pursued a variety of interests outside of the sport. A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he devoted much of his post-baseball life to religious and business endeavors. His faith played a significant role throughout his career, and he often spoke about the importance of his beliefs in shaping his life.
Barry Bonnell may not have been a Hall of Famer, but he was a respected and reliable player who contributed to every team he played for. His versatility, professionalism, and work ethic made him a valuable teammate, and his post-baseball life demonstrated his commitment to his faith and personal growth.
While his name may not be among the most famous in baseball history, Barry Bonnell’s journey serves as a reminder of the countless players who leave their mark on the game through consistency, dedication, and integrity.
The Score on Barry Bonnell – 7.0
Barry is another great guy in the TTM game. He’s consistent with how he returns but also the quality of his returns. Every one of these cards is signed with a great marker. the only times where that isn’t the case is when the card fails and doesn’t take the signature well enough. I think my favorites in this group are with Barry in the old Braves uniforms with the feather logo on the arm – like the 1978 Topps from the first return.
Thanks Mr. Bonnell! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
These aren’t my first returns from him. To see the other three successful returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.