Barbeau started his professional baseball career in the minor leagues in 1905, playing for the Columbus Senators of the American Association. In August, his contract was purchased by the major league Cleveland Naps and he spent the rest of 1905 and 1906 with them. However, he had a .194 batting average in 1906 and was released. Barbeau returned to the American Association, playing for the Toledo Mud Hens in 1907 and 1908.
In 1909, Barbeau was the starting third baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and was then traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in August. After a slow start in 1910, he was sent back to American Association, where he played for the Kansas City Blues, Milwaukee Brewers, and St. Paul Saints over the next several seasons. He also played one season in the Pacific Coast League, and one season in the Western League, last playing professionally in 1919.
Overall, in parts of four major league seasons, Barbeau batted .225 in 199 games. In 13 minor league seasons, he appeared in over 1500 games while batting above .290 at least three times; his minor-league records are incomplete for some seasons.

Return to Jap Barbeau Autograph Profile