John Burke (baseball)

Infobox MLB retired
bgcolor1=darkblue
bgcolor2=maroon
textcolor1=white
textcolor2=white
name=John Burke
position=Pitcher
bats=Both
throws=Right
birthdate=birth date and age|1970|2|9|
debutdate=August 13
debutyear=by|1996
debutteam=Colorado Rockies
finaldate=July 10
finalyear=by|1997
finalteam=Colorado Rockies
stat1label=ERA
stat1value=6.75
stat2label=Record
stat2value=4-6
stat3label=Strikeouts
stat3value=58
teams=
*Colorado Rockies (1994-'95)
highlights=
*none

John C. Burke was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Colorado Rockies in 1996 and 1997. He was born on February 9, 1970 in Durango, Colorado, and he attended Cherry Creek High School. After high school, the 6'4" 220 pound pitcher attended the University of Florida. While a Gator, Burke's nickname was "Large Marge."

Burke, who threw right handed and was a switch hitter, was drafted a total of three times. In 1989, he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 34th round (867th overall). In 1991, he was drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round (6th). In 1992, the year he decided to sign with a team, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the first round, 27th overall. Burke was the Colorado Rockies first ever amateur draft pick. Burke, who combined a mid-90s fastball with a good curve and change-up, was primarily a starter in the minor leagues, where he had two really notable seasons. In 1993, with A-Advanced Central Valley, Burke went 7-8 with a 3.20 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 119 innings. In 1995 with AAA Colorado Springs, he went 7-1 with a 4.55 ERA. During 1995, Pacific Coast League managers voted Burke as the league's best pitching prospect and the pitcher with the best breaking pitch.

On August 13, 1996, Burke made his big league debut as a 26 year old rookie. His big league career was not successful as he appeared in a total of 28 games and had an ERA of 6.75. He had a record of 4 wins and 6 losses.

As a hitter, Burke hit .190 (4-21). He committed one error in the field.

Burke played his final game on July 10, 1997.

Honors and Awards

*In 1993, he was a California League All-Star.

Other information

*In 1997, Burke earned $151,500 In 1998, he earned $190,000.
*Burke wore number 37.
*Currently, Burke lives in Littleton, Colorado.
*In 1994, Burke was the 49th top prospect, according to Baseball America.
*Mark Thompson had been a teammate of Burke for seven seasons, longer than any other teammate.

External links