After a broken hand hindered most of his first professional season, former LSU right-fielder Sean Barker is making a name for himself in the minor leagues.
Barker was named California League Batter of the Week for July 6 through 12 after going 11-for-24 in eight games, averaging .458 for the week. He had five doubles, two triples, one home run and eight RBIs.
“I was seeing the ball well,” Barker said. “And when you see it, you hit it. I felt so good at the plate. I hope I can continue to hit like that.”
Barker played at LSU during the 2001 and 2002 seasons. The Colorado Rockies selected Barker in the sixth-round of the 2002 draft.
Barker, a Bakersfield, Calif. Native, now is playing for the Rockies single-A affiliate the Visalia Oaks, in Visalia, Calif.
Barker said the grueling minor league schedule is not as rough in the California league.
“It’s not that bad because the bus trips aren’t that long,” he said. “I’m having a great time because I’ve got friends and family here.”
Barker said players in other leagues may have to ride 12 to 14 hours on a bus to get to the next location. But the California league mainly plays within California so traveling is not as difficult.
In his senior season at LSU, Barker had the highest batting average on the team at .382 and the most hits with 102. He finished with 16 doubles, eight home runs and 62 RBIs.
Despite Barker’s performances at the plate, the Tigers did not reach the College World Series during his time at the University. But, the year after he left for the minor leagues, LSU took the trip to Omaha.
“I totally wished I would have been there [at the College World Series],” Barker said. “I was so happy for them.”
Barker said even though it was disappointing not having played at the College World Series, he still watched the games on television.
“I watched them on ESPN to see their faces light up on TV,” he said. “I lived through them. I’ve got chills right now just thinking about it.”
Barker said he would not trade his experiences at LSU for anything.
“I learned respect for the game playing under Skip Bertman and Smoke Laval,” he said. “I learned how to play with a team.”
Barker said his new teammates are jealous he got to play for LSU.
“They’re always asking me what it’s like to play there,” he said.