Bahr was born in Rouleau, Saskatchewan, but graduated from West Seattle High School in Washington state.

Bahr batted and threw right-handed, stood 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall and weighed 172 pounds (78 kg).

His professional career began in 1938 in the Western International League and he was acquired by the New York Yankees' organization the following season.

But he was ineffective in 1947, was sent to Triple-A Portland after July 4, and spent the remainder of his career in the minors, retiring after the 1950 season.

In his two-season MLB career, Bahr compiled an 11–11 record with 69 strikeouts and a 3.37 ERA in 46 total appearances, including 25 starts and eight complete games.