Barton was primarily a backup catcher, playing behind Tom Haller with the Giants and Baseball Hall of FamerJohnny Bench with the Reds.[2] His best statistical year as a hitter was as a starter for the 1971 Padres; in 121 games, he hit .250 with five home runs and 23 runs batted in along with 17 doubles. On defense, in 1971 he led National League catchers in runners caught stealing (42), percentage of runners caught stealing (51.2%) and errors committed (15) and was second in assists (67).[3]