Most of the work ethic, which helped Barker to a standout career at Virginia Tech, was instilled by his parents at an early age in a town whose entire population could fit in the Brewers spring training stadium in Arizona. At the time, it was hard. I wanted to go out, too. But, in the back of my mind I knew it was the right thing to do. It's just that nobody was there to see it.
People notice it now.
After being drafted in the third round of the 1996 draft, Barker had to work to transform himself from a centerfielder to a first baseman. You have to hold runners on. Do that with Larry Walker at the plate, well, that guy can hit some bullets. You have to learn how to lead the pitcher when he's covering the bag - you almost have to be like a quarterback. Then there are all the bunt plays and the footwork that's involved.