Los Angeles, CA -- "The Price Is Right" host Bob Barker turns 80 today (Dec. 12) -- but he wasn't always game for game shows.

Barker has been a TV mainstay for 45 years -- including 31 with "The Price Is Right" -- but says his real dream was to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals.

However, his mother discouraged the dream in hopes her son would become a preacher like his grandfather.

Other priceless Bob Barker bits of trivia...

-- Barker estimates that he's given away more than 6,500 cars, 35,000 kitchen appliances and "enough furniture to furnish every home in a small city."

-- "The Price Is Right" host took karate lessons from Chuck Norris and blames the martial arts star for kicking him the chest so hard that he eventually needed heart surgery.

-- Finally, Barker claims that ever since he was caught in a sex scandal with former "Barker's Beauty" Dian Parkinson, his lawyer insists on meeting all potential dates beforehand.

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Additional Local Bob Barker News Archives

• Former "Price Is Right" Model Suing CBS
• Bob Barker Donates To Anti-Whaling Society
• Bear Attacks Woman 75
• "Price Is Right" Ratings Pay Off For CBS
• Flash Lites June 29th, 2004 - Rip 'N' Read Recap

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