Barnett's 32 years of AL service surpassed the record held by Tommy Connolly (1901–31), which was tied by Barnett and Don Denkinger in 1998. Through the 2005 season, Joe Brinkman has umpired AL games in 33 seasons, although the major league umpiring staffs were merged in 2000. Barnett officiated in 4 World Series: 1975, 1981, 1984 and 1990 (Games 1–2), serving as crew chief in 1981. He also umpired in a record 7 American League Championship Series (1972, 1976, 1979, 1982, 1986, 1991, 1996), and in 4 All-Star games (1973, 1980, 1988, 1997), calling balls and strikes for the last contest. He was also the home plate umpire when Cal Ripken, Jr. broke Lou Gehrig's consecutive games played record of 2130 on September 6, 1995, and for Vida Blue's no-hitter on September 21, 1970. He wore uniform number 22 starting in 1980 when the AL adopted uniform numbers. In 1999, Barnett ejected Detroit Tigers pitcher Brian Moehler after discovering some sandpaper on Moehler's thumb.