Bárbaro Garbey

Bárbaro Garbey (/ɡɑːrˈbeɪ/ gar-BAY; born December 4, 1956, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba) is a former Major League Baseball utility player and current hitting coach for the GCL Braves. Garbey played in the outfield, at first and third bases, and also served as designated hitter.

Career

Garbey defected from Cuba in the Mariel boatlift in 1980. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers as an amateur free agent that year. He reached the majors in 1984 with the Tigers, spending two years with them before moving to the Texas Rangers (1988). He was a member of the Tigers team that defeated the San Diego Padres in the 1984 World Series.

As a rookie in 1984, Garbey played in 110 games, including appearances at first base, second base, third base, designated hitter, and each of the outfield positions. Garbey hit .287 and had more RBIs (52) than several of Detroit's starters, including Howard Johnson, Larry Herndon, and Dave Bergman.

In 1983, Barbaro was suspended for attacking a fan after a 10-inning game against Louisville.

Since retiring, Garbey has found steady work coaching in the minor leagues. His most recent stint was as the hitting coach for the Peoria Chiefs (2014-15).

Garbey was named as the hitting coach for the rookie level Danville Braves in the Atlanta Braves organization for the 2018 season.

Garbey was named as the hitting coach for the GCL Braves in the Atlanta Braves organization for the 2019 season.