Len Barker Leonard Harold Barker III (born July 7, 1955 in Fort Knox, Kentucky), better known as Len Barker, is a former Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher. He had a largely unheralded career for the Texas Rangers (1976-78), Cleveland Indians (1979-83), Atlanta Braves (1983-85) and Milwaukee Brewers (1987). In 1980, Barker enjoyed career-high numbers in winning games (19) and strikeouts (181, top in the league). Then, on May 15, 1981, he pitched a perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was the tenth perfect game ever at the time, and one of only seventeen in the history of the major leagues. In that season he also was selected an All-Star.
Barker compiled a career 74-76 record with 975 strikeouts and a 4.34 ERA in 1323.7 innings.
Preceded by: Catfish Hunter Perfect game pitcher May 15, 1981 Succeeded by: Mike Witt
