Reds share news of longtime scout Barton's passing

CINCINNATI -- Longtime Reds scout and cross checker Jeff Barton died on Thursday after a battle with cancer at the age of 50, the club announced on Friday.

Barton was with the Reds' organization for 26 years and was involved in the drafting and signing of players like Joey Votto, Trevor Hoffman, Justin Turner, Michael Lorenzen, Robert Stephenson and Tony Cingrani.

It was revealed last month that Barton was named Scout of the Year for the West Region, which honors a lifetime of scouting excellence. He received the most votes in the history of the award.

Barton will be recognized posthumously for the award next month at the annual Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn.

Barton was a third-generation scout for the Reds. He was the son of longtime Reds scout Larry Barton Jr., and grandson to Larry Barton Sr.

Barton is survived by his wife, Karen, and daughters Allison, Makenna and Avery.