Major league baseball player Pat Burrell signed a one-day minor-league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies right before he decided that he will retire this year.
Having a fluctuating career with multiple teams as well as injuries, Burrell has chosen to end his baseball journey with the Phillies. With nine seasons under his belt playing for the Phillies, including a World Series title, Burrell’s best games were arguably with this team.
It began in 1998 when Burrell was the first overall draft pick by the Phillies. After two years in the minors, his career took off. For the first eight years, he hit on average 20 home runs per season.
While on the team, he hit 292 home runs, finished seventh in the MVP vote in 2005 and hit more than 30 home runs during a season for multiple seasons. Although he had a lot of great moments with the team, there was very much a love-hate relationship present with Burrell and the fans. He was slow running the bases and struck out often.
Once he became a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, his career hit a low.
He was signed to a two-year contract as their designated hitter, but his time there ended shortly after a miserable stretch that saw a 2009 season in which Burrell hit 14 homers in over 400 at-bats and provided a batting average barely over .220. While on the Rays, he received a standing ovation from the Philadelphia fans when playing in a series against the Phillies.
From the Rays, he signed with the San Francisco Giants. His game started to pick up again, earning him yet another World Series title. Unfortunately, every game must come to an end, and for 35-year-old Burrell, it will be May 19 of this year.
Rumors claim that he has a chronic foot injury that does not seem to be healing; therefore, he is calling it quits.
Throughout his career, he has been through 39 penicillin shots, missed games due to wrist injuries and multiple other injuries. Regardless of the reason, the Philadelphia fans are excited for his one day return.
As his career comes to a close, he will return to Philadelphia where he helped to lead the team to a World Series victory, be loved by all Philadelphia sports fanatics and be celebrated for his baseball career, especially his athletic services to the Phillies. Therefore, on May 19, Pat Burrell will be honored at Citizens Bank Park and throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and officially retire as a Philadelphia Phillie, a true Philly faithful.
Jessie Lehrbaum can be reached at jlehraum@spartans.ut.edu.