1977 Topps Baseball #222 - Francisco Barrios

• Francisco Barrios originally signed with the San Francisco Giants from the Mexican League in 1973. After spending a month with the AAA Phoenix Giants, Barrios was released in September.
• Barrios was traded to the Chicago White Sox (with a minor leaguer for Rudy Hernandez) from the Mexican League after the 1973 season. Barrios pitched in the minors in 1974 and pitched in two September games (0-0, 27.00 ERA in 2 IP) for the White Sox at the end of the year.
• Francisco started three games for AAA Denver in 1975 and then spent the remainder of the year in the Mexican League. 
• In 1976 Barrios was with the White Sox for the entire year. He was 5-9 with three saves and a 4.32 ERA in 35 games (14 starts). On July 28 Barrios combined with Blue Moon Odom on a no-hitter. Odom pitched the first five innings but walked nine batters and was replaced by Barrios in the 6th inning.
• Barrios had his best year in 1977. He was 14-7 with a 4.12 ERA and was second on the club in victories.
• Francisco actually had a lower ERA in 1978, but his record was reversed. Barrios ended up with a 9-15 record and a 4.05 ERA.
• Barrios didn't pitch after July 8 in 1979. He started 18 games and was 8-3 with a 3.61 ERA.
• Francisco didn't pitch much in the next two years. He made a few starts in the minors in 1980 and also started three games for the White Sox (1-1, 4.96 ERA). In 1981 Barrios went 1-3 with a 3.97 ERA in 8 games (7 starts). He made all of his appearances before the 1981 strike, but he had a couple of run-ins with the law (disorderly conduct and drug possession) and spent time in a drug rehabilitation center during the strike. The White Sox released Barrios on September 1, 1981.
• Barrios had a good season in winter ball in 1981 and was set to sign a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers for the 1982 season. He died of a heart attack in his parents' home in Hermosillo, Mexico on April 8, 1982.
• 1977 Stats: 14-7, 4.12 ERA in 31 starts
• 1977 Highlights:
• July 11 - Allowed two runs and struck out ten batters in a complete game 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals.
• Aug 22 - Allowed three solo home runs, but was able to hang on and beat the New York Yankees 5-3.
• Other card blogs: 1979, 1980