Austin Barnes Bio
Austin Scott Barnes is an American professional baseball catcher who is currently a free agent. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Barnes played college baseball for the Arizona State Sun Devils and was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the eighth round of the 2011 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2015 and has been a key contributor to the Dodgers, helping the team secure World Series championships in both 2020 and 2024. Additionally, he has represented the Mexico national baseball team in international competitions.
Early Life and Background
Austin Barnes was born on December 28, 1989, in Riverside, California, as the oldest of four children to Dennis and Stephanie Barnes. His mother is Mexican-American, but he was raised speaking only English. Barnes began playing baseball at a young age, earning the nickname “Hoover” during his Little League days due to his exceptional fielding skills. He attended Riverside Polytechnic High School, where he played on the baseball team alongside future Major League Baseball player Jake Marisnick. Barnes excelled in high school, earning four varsity letters and serving as team captain in his senior year. In 2007, he achieved a batting average of .450 as a junior, which he improved to .478 as a senior. He also played on travel teams and contributed to a summer league team that won the American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC) Don Mattingly Championship in 2017.
Path to Baseball
After graduating from Riverside Polytechnic High School, Barnes continued his baseball career at Arizona State University. His freshman year was limited in terms of playing time, but he made a significant impact in his sophomore season. After injuries sidelined the starting catchers, Barnes stepped up and quickly adapted to the position, successfully catching 19 of the first 24 baserunners attempting to steal. His performance improved, and he finished the season with a .272 batting average. By his junior year, he became the starting catcher, showcasing his skills with a .320 batting average and a .994 fielding percentage. Barnes was recognized for his performance by being named to the All-Pac-10 First Team at the end of the season.
Austin Barnes Career
Early Career (2011-2015)
Austin Barnes was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the ninth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. He made his professional debut with the Low-A Jamestown Jammers that same year, where he quickly established himself as a skilled catcher and a strong hitter. Over the next few years, he played for various teams within the Marlins organization, including the Single-A Greensboro Grasshoppers and Double-A Jacksonville Suns. Barnes was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2014, where he was assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers. He made his MLB debut on May 24, 2015, as the starting catcher for the Dodgers, recording his first hit against the San Diego Padres.
Breakthrough (2017-2024)
Barnes’s breakthrough came during the 2017 season when he became a key player for the Dodgers. He recorded his first multi-homer game on June 30, 2017, against the San Diego Padres, driving in a career-high seven runs. His performance in the 2017 postseason was notable, as he contributed significantly to the Dodgers’ success, including a strong showing in the World Series against the Houston Astros. In the following years, Barnes continued to be an essential part of the Dodgers’ roster, known for his defensive skills and ability to frame pitches. He played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series victory, becoming only the second player in history to hit a home run and execute a safety squeeze in the same World Series game. He helped the team secure another championship in 2024, further solidifying his legacy with the franchise.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Austin Barnes has achieved significant milestones, including being a two-time World Series champion. His defensive prowess and ability to perform under pressure have made him a valuable asset to the Dodgers. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the Mexico national baseball team during international competitions.
Austin Barnes Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Austin Barnes has received recognition for his performance on the field, particularly during his postseason appearances and contributions to the Dodgers’ success.
Austin Barnes Awards Won
Austin Barnes has been honored with two World Series championships, achieved in 2020 and 2024, highlighting his impact on the Dodgers’ success during his tenure with the team.
Austin Barnes Family
Austin Barnes is married to Nicole Breanna Rappaport, with whom he shares one son. The couple resides in Glendale, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, close to Dodger Stadium.
Personal Life
In addition to his baseball career, Barnes enjoys playing golf in his free time. He has a close relationship with his family, including his younger brother Griffin, who also played baseball at Grand Canyon University. Barnes has a passion for entertainment, citing Will Ferrell as his favorite actor and enjoying the television show “Seinfeld.” His childhood nickname was “Hoover,” but he is now often called “Barnsey.”
