Tad Barton begins his professional career with the Windy City ThunderBolts in 2014. He signed with the team on July 11, 2014. Tad spent four collegiate seasons at Millersville University, appearing in 49 games (37 starts). He went 25-11 throughout his career with a 3.58 ERA and finished as the school's all-time wins leader. He saved his best season for last, starting 14 games as  a senior in 2014 and compiling a 6-4 record and 2.96 ERA. He finished nearly half of his starts with six complete games and held opponents to a .234 batting average. He was named to the All-PSAC Second Team for his efforts. Barton, the son of former Major Leaguer Shawn Barton, attended Muhlenberg High School in Reading, Pennsylvania.