Bob Barker's net worth statistics reveal the former "The Price Is Right" host built a remarkable $70 million fortune. Many people often draw comparisons to another Barker from the sports world. Research into Kevin Barker, the former MLB first baseman, shows his financial story creates an interesting contrast to his namesake's wealth.

Kevin Barker may not share the same household fame as other baseball stars, yet his path from athlete to media personality stands out. The Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the third round of the 1996 MLB draft. His baseball career spanned multiple teams including the San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cincinnati Reds.

His sports media presence grew after marrying Hazel Mae Barker, a Filipino-Canadian sportscaster who covers Toronto Blue Jays games on Sportsnet broadcasts. This piece explores Kevin Barker's net worth in 2025 and reveals the financial story of a former baseball player who maintained a .249 batting average, hit 6 home runs, and drove in 36 runs.

Kevin Barker’s Net Worth in 2025: The Real Number

Bob Barker might be the household name, but Kevin Barker's financial status stays under the radar in 2025. This former baseball player switched to broadcasting and picked a career path many MLB athletes choose when they move to media.

How much is Kevin Barker worth today?

Kevin Barker's net worth ranges between $1-3 million in 2025. While this might not match superstar baseball earnings, it shows his successful switch from playing field to broadcast booth. His wealth comes from his MLB years and his current broadcasting career.

MLB players earned much less when Barker played compared to now. The league's minimum pay was about $300,000 in the early 2000s, though it went up during his career. Barker played for several teams as a journeyman, so his contracts stayed in the middle range for first basemen back then.

Most players with Barker's background don't see huge wealth jumps after retirement unless they land major TV deals or start successful businesses. Still, his ongoing sports media work brings in steady money after his playing career.

Barker keeps his investment details private. Any net worth figures are estimates based on what we know about similar former players who moved into broadcasting.

What contributes to his current fortune?

Kevin Barker's money in 2025 comes from several sources:

MLB Career Earnings: Though not a superstar, Barker's ten years in professional baseball built his financial base. First basemen with stats like his usually made $300,000-$800,000 per year, depending on their team's budget and bonus structure.

Broadcasting Income: Co-hosting "Blair and Barker" now brings in most of his money. Regional networks pay sports analysts with MLB experience about $75,000-$150,000 yearly, with better pay possible from good ratings and bigger markets.

Media Appearances: He earns extra cash from guest spots on sports shows, especially during baseball season.

Connection to Hazel Mae: Marriage to well-known sportscaster Hazel Mae opened doors for joint media projects and shared assets, but Barker keeps his own broadcasting identity.

Investment Opportunities: MLB players usually get money advice during and after playing, which can lead to real estate deals or business ventures. No one knows about any major businesses Barker might own.

Barker's stable wealth shows how pro athletes with decent careers can build lasting financial security. Smart career moves and using sports knowledge in media roles pay off. His story mirrors many former MLB players who find their place in broadcasting after retirement.

From Small-Town Athlete to MLB First Baseman

Kevin Barker's rise to professional baseball reads like a classic American dream story. His modest beginnings stand in stark contrast to Bob Barker's massive $70 million television fortune. The story of his ascent from rural Virginia to Major League Baseball shows how raw athletic talent can create life-changing opportunities when properly developed.

Early life in Mendota, Virginia

Kevin Barker was born on July 26, 1975, in Bristol, Virginia. He spent his childhood in the small community of Mendota in Washington County. His rural roots helped shape both his work ethic and determination.

Baseball became his focus during his school years at local institutions. He spent three years at John S. Battle High School, where he developed his baseball skills before making a choice that would speed up his path to professional sports.

The decision to transfer to Virginia High School in Bristol for his senior year proved crucial to his development. He thrived at his new school and helped the Virginia High Bearcats win the VHSL Group AA state championship in 1993. His high school batting statistics weren't remarkable – he hit around .270 during the championship season. His pitching abilities caught the scouts' attention instead. He posted an impressive 8-1 record with a tiny 0.20 ERA and struck out 103 batters in just 60⅓ innings.

College baseball at Virginia Tech

"I'd always had my heart set on Virginia Tech," Barker once said about his college choice. "Virginia boy, coming from a farm in Mendota… I was fortunate enough to get a full ride, but I would have taken less to go there". These words show his deep connection to his Virginia roots.

Barker's career took an unexpected turn in Blacksburg. The coaching staff quickly changed their plans after seeing his power at the plate, though he was originally recruited as a pitcher.

He was "hitting it about twice as far as everyone else" during his first batting practice. Coach Chuck Hartman saw this raw power and moved Barker from pitcher to outfielder—a decision that changed the course of his career.

Barker became an exceptional collegiate hitter at Virginia Tech. His three seasons with the Hokies produced impressive numbers: a .331 batting average with 32 home runs, 17 triples, and 140 RBIs. His junior year stood out as he earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors. He hit .361 with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs. His record of 17 triples still stands at Virginia Tech, securing his place in the university's baseball history.

Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers

Professional scouts started showing up in greater numbers at Barker's games during his junior year. "Going into that junior year it was my time to shine and there was a little bit more pressure," he recalled. "We weren't the Hokies of 2022, we were the Hokies of 1996 and the stadium was a lot smaller and there were times when there were more scouts than fans there".

The Milwaukee Brewers selected Barker in the third round of the 1996 MLB Amateur Draft with the 73rd overall pick, despite rumors that the Detroit Tigers might take him in the first round. His physical attributes – 6'2" and 195 pounds – matched what scouts wanted in a professional player.

Barker started his professional career with the Ogden Raptors in the rookie Pioneer League and made an immediate difference. He hit .317 with 56 RBIs. This period marked another big change in his baseball experience—his move from outfield to first base. His teammate Adam Faurot remembered, "Kevin shows up and makes an immediate impact—was clearly one of the best players in the league right away".

This strong start in the minor leagues built the foundation for Barker's eventual climb to the major leagues, where he would play for several MLB teams throughout his professional career.

Major League Career and Earnings

Bob Barker built a massive fortune as a TV host, yet his namesake Kevin Barker's MLB career brought nowhere near the same financial rewards. Kevin's baseball journey started with success in the minor leagues before he reached the majors and played with several teams.

MLB debut and early seasons

Kevin Barker stepped into the major leagues on August 19, 1999, with the Milwaukee Brewers. His first MLB game showed promise as he went 2-for-5, scored a run and drove in the winning RBI.

He connected for his first hit with a single to right field against Houston Astros pitcher Chris Holt. The milestone moments continued when he blasted his first major league home run off Larry Luebbers of the St. Louis Cardinals on September 5, 1999.

Milwaukee's original plans positioned Barker as their future first baseman, but Richie Sexson eventually took that role. He played 78 games in his first two Milwaukee seasons (1999-2000) and posted a .253 batting average. His second year numbers dipped as he hit .220 with 2 home runs and 9 RBI through the first two months of 2000.

Trades and transitions between teams

Barker's career took on a nomadic quality after leaving Milwaukee. The Brewers traded him to the San Diego Padres for Dusty Wathan on March 24, 2002. His time with the Padres lasted just 7 games.

The Toronto Blue Jays signed him next, bringing him up in September 2006. He made his mark quickly, hitting a home run off Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett for his first Blue Jays hit on September 3. His final MLB stop came with the Cincinnati Reds in 2009, where he hit .281 across 29 games.

Minor league and international play

Barker managed to keep a strong presence in the minor leagues between his MLB appearances. His 14-season minor league career spanned 1,538 games and produced impressive numbers – 248 home runs and 986 RBIs. His stellar play earned him recognition as the International League Player of the Week in 2007.

The Mexican League became his home for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, adding international experience to his baseball resume.

Estimated salary during MLB years

Barker's MLB earnings tell a modest story compared to Bob Barker's wealth. His rookie season with Milwaukee in 1999 brought in $200,000. He earned a slight bump to $205,000 in 2000, which brought his documented MLB career earnings to at least $405,000.

Life After Baseball: Broadcasting and Media

Kevin Barker found a second career that lasted longer than his baseball days after hanging up his cleats. This path differed from Bob Barker's game show hosting career that built his $70 million fortune.

Co-hosting Blair and Barker

A chance conversation with Scott Moore, a Canadian television executive and Hazel Mae's boss at Sportsnet, launched Kevin Barker's broadcasting career. Moore saw something unique in Barker's speaking style. "You have a different way of going about it and the way you talked was different and it would be great on the radio", Moore told him.

This casual remark turned prophetic when Barker joined Sportsnet 590 the FAN in Toronto. He became the full-time co-host with Jeff Blair in 2014, first on "Baseball Central" and later on their rebranded show "Blair and Barker". The show's success speaks through its run from 2012 to 2025, with over 600 episodes aired.

Blair praised Barker's distinct southern accent as "terrific for discussing baseball" and "oddly soothing," comparing it to "an English accent for someone who talks about soccer". Barker knew his unique market position well: "There's nobody in Canada that talks like me. You put the country boy in the big city talking baseball, it's a little bit different".

Sportsnet and media appearances

Barker's influence grew beyond radio to television, as "Blair and Barker" aired across multiple Sportsnet TV channels. His role at Sportsnet grew stronger after the network's split with analyst Gregg Zaun.

Barker stands out from other ex-players through his natural connection with audiences. Blair noted, "He's comfortable taking calls from fans, which takes an enormous amount of self-confidence and empathy". Two Blue Jays coaches validated his expertise by confirming that "his information and analysis was spot on".

How broadcasting added to his income

Barker's broadcasting career has given him steady income since leaving baseball. Regional networks typically pay sports analysts with MLB experience between $75,000-$150,000 yearly—a reliable income stream that has continued for over a decade.

His wife Hazel Mae played a key role in his broadcasting growth. "My wife has been there and done that and she's helped me tremendously," Barker said. "She's very up front and if I say something on the show she'll tell me if it makes a lot of sense or if it's the dumbest thing I've ever said". Her professional guidance as an experienced sportscaster helped boost his career and earning potential quickly.

Personal Life and Financial Stability

Kevin Barker's personal foundation gives him stability that adds to his modest fortune. This stands in stark contrast to Bob Barker's $70 million wealth from his decades in television.

Marriage to Hazel Mae

Kevin Barker caught public attention when he married Hazel Mae, a well-known Filipino-Canadian sportscaster at Sportsnet. Their relationship led to marriage in Toronto in January 2011. The union brought together two sports media personalities – Hazel covers Toronto Blue Jays games on Sportsnet, the same network where Kevin started his broadcasting career.

The couple stayed engaged for a long time before marriage. Hazel had dated ESPN "SportsCenter" anchor Steve Levy and former Boston Celtic Ricky Davis earlier. The couple keeps their personal life private now, and Hazel's representatives say they want to "keep it all on the down-low".

Family life and lifestyle

Kevin and Hazel have grown their family while pursuing their careers. They have a son named Chase. Their shared background in sports broadcasting creates a unique home environment – both parents know what the industry needs.

Real estate and assets

Kevin's MLB career earnings and broadcasting income make up his main assets. The Barkers stay private about their real estate investments, unlike many celebrities who showcase their property portfolios extensively.

Kevin has shown financial stability through his career changes. He managed to keep working in baseball-related fields even after he stopped playing.

Conclusion

Kevin Barker's net worth ranges between $1-3 million in 2025. This wealth reflects his successful shift from baseball to broadcasting. His earnings might be nowhere near Bob Barker's $70 million television fortune, but Kevin's story showcases a stable career change instead of flashy paydays.

A small-town kid from Mendota, Virginia, Kevin used his baseball skills to create life-changing opportunities. His MLB career took him to several teams before he discovered his true passion behind the microphone. This move paid off well. His distinctive Southern accent combined with deep baseball knowledge made him a perfect fit in Canadian sports media.

Many athletes struggle to find their footing after retirement. Kevin, however, built a thriving broadcasting career with his wife Hazel Mae by his side. Their professional chemistry definitely helped strengthen his financial position. His impressive run at Sportsnet spans more than a decade – a rare achievement in this unpredictable industry.

Mid-tier professional athletes can learn from Kevin's playbook. Most players won't land massive contracts or endorsement deals. Yet his experience shows how specialized knowledge and authentic personality can lead to lasting post-playing careers.

Kevin Barker's financial success means more than just numbers. His continued relevance in baseball circles, years after his final at-bat, proves more valuable than enormous wealth. Smart career choices and broadcasting skills helped him create a comfortable life while staying connected to baseball.

FAQs

Q1. What is Kevin Barker's current occupation?

Kevin Barker co-hosts the sports talk show "Blair and Barker" alongside Jeff Blair on Sportsnet 590 the FAN radio and various Sportsnet TV channels, based in Toronto.

Q2. How much is Kevin Barker's estimated net worth in 2025?

Kevin Barker's estimated net worth in 2025 falls between $1-3 million, reflecting his career as a former MLB player and his subsequent work in sports broadcasting.

Q3. Does Kevin Barker have any children?

Yes, Kevin Barker has one son named Chase with his wife, Hazel Mae.

Q4. Is Kevin Barker still married to Hazel Mae?

Yes, Kevin Barker is still married to Hazel Mae. They tied the knot in January 2011 and continue to be together as of 2025.

Q5. How did Kevin Barker transition from baseball to broadcasting?

After his MLB career, Barker transitioned to broadcasting when a TV executive noticed his unique speaking style. He joined Sportsnet 590 the FAN in Toronto in 2014, leveraging his baseball expertise and distinctive Southern accent to build a successful career in sports media.