Ellis Burks
Ellis Burks | |
---|---|
Outfielder | |
Born: Vicksburg, Mississippi, U.S. | September 11, 1964|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
April 30, 1987, for the Boston Red Sox | |
Last MLB appearance | |
October 2, 2004, for the Boston Red Sox | |
MLB statistics | |
Batting average | .291 |
Hits | 2,107 |
Home runs | 352 |
Runs batted in | 1,206 |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Ellis Rena Burks (born September 11, 1964) is an American former
Early life
Burks was born in
Career
Selected by the Boston Red Sox in the first round (20th pick) of the 1983 Major League Baseball draft, Burks made his debut in the 1987 season as a regular center fielder at age 22, becoming the third player in Red Sox history to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in one season. He was selected to both the Baseball Digest and Topps "All-Rookie" teams. Defensively, Burks showed excellent range, a sure glove and a strong arm. Burks, however, was injury-prone. He had shoulder surgery in 1989, and it was the first of many setbacks for him. During the 1990 season he hit two home runs in the same inning of a game, to become the second player in Red Sox history to achieve the feat; Bill Regan was the first, in 1928.
Later, Burks suffered from bad knees and back spasms. After six seasons in Boston, and despite his injuries, he ended up leaving as a free agent and signing with the Chicago White Sox in January 1993. He surpassed expectations around him by turning in a solid, injury-free season, filling the White Sox' urgent need for a quality right fielder. He was one of the club's better performers in the playoffs, batting .304. A free agent at the end of the season, he signed a five-year contract with the Colorado Rockies (1994–98). On April 17, 1994, Burks hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the 10th inning against the Montreal Expos. It was the only major league walk-off home run ever hit at Mile High Stadium.[4] His 1,000th career hit also came against the Expos, a triple in July 1995.[5]
In
While with the Rockies, Burks was part of the Blake Street Bombers that included Andrés Galarraga, Bichette, Larry Walker and Vinny Castilla. This was the heart of the Rockies' lineup that was second in the National League in home runs by team in 1994, then led the National League in home runs from 1995 to 1997.[7]
Burks was traded to the San Francisco Giants in mid-season 1998 for Darryl Hamilton and Jim Stoops. In 2000, batting fifth behind Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent, he compiled numbers of .344, 24, 96, in only 122 games and 393 at bats. He won the 2000 Willie Mac Award for his spirit and leadership.
Burks was signed by the
In an 18-year career, Burks was a .291 hitter with 352 home runs, 1,206 runs batted in (RBI), 1,253 runs, 2,107 hits, 402 doubles, 63 triples, 181 stolen bases and 793 walks in 2,000 games. Defensively, Burks recorded a .983 fielding percentage playing at all three outfield positions.[9]
Post-playing career
After the 2005 season, Burks joined the Indians' front office staff as a special assistant to the general manager.
In 2021, Burks joined NESN as a studio analyst and alternate color commentator for Red Sox games.[10]
Personal life
Burks resides in Chagrin Falls, Ohio,[11][failed verification] and his son, Chris, played baseball in the San Francisco Giants organization. He also has three daughters, Carissa, Elisha, and Breanna.[12] He met his wife, Dori,[12] in Connecticut in 1985.[3]
He is a cousin of fellow Major League outfielder Roosevelt Brown.[13]
See also
- List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders
- List of athletes on Wheaties boxes
- List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders
- 30–30 club
- List of Major League Baseball annual runs scored leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders
References
- ^ Sullivan, T.R. (November 17, 2000). "Rangers going after Burks, Velarde". Amarillo Globe-News. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ISBN 9781418560041. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ Boston Globe. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ "Team Batting Event Finder: From 1925 to 2018, All Teams, Home Runs, Walk-off, at MileHigh Std". Baseball Reference. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
- ^ "Batting Event Finder — Ellis Burks: From 1987 to 2004, Hits, 607 - 1044". Baseball Reference. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
- ^ "Colorado Rockies Top 10 Career Batting Leaders".
- ^ "NL season-to-season totals - Baseball-Reference.com". www.baseball-reference.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2007. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- ^ "Ellis Burks 2004 Batting Game Logs | Baseball-Reference.com".
- ^ "Ellis Burks Statistics and History". Baseball Reference.com. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
- ^ "NESN to add Ellis Burks, Mo Vaughn, and Kevin Youkilis to Red Sox broadcasts - the Boston Globe". The Boston Globe.
- ^ Hoynes, Paul (March 2, 2009). "Cleveland Indians instructor Ellis Burks talks about the present and the past". cleveland.com. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ a b Moss, Irv (December 9, 2015). "Colorado Classics: Ellis Burks has fond memories of his playing time in Denver". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
- ^ "Coming up Roses". Vicksburg Post. April 2, 2002. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs
- Ellis Burks Biography and Highlights) Baseball Biography
- Q&A with Baseball America
- MLB[permanent dead link] historical statistics