.jpg)
"I was shocked," Burnett told The Daily Advertiser of his selection. "When they called was the first time I'd heard of them. I really didn't expect it to happen. I don't really know what to think. I'm going to try and make the best of it. That's all I can do."
For Burnett, the best of it turned out to be a single pro season, spent between Miami and independent Salt Lake City, before a single pitch ended his season and ultimately his career
Burnett's career began and ended that year in 1990, taken by independent Miami in the 17th round of the draft out of Southwestern Louisiana.
At Southwestern Louisiana, Burnett was known for stealing bases. By late May 1990, he'd already broken the school's single-season stolen base record with 51, The Daily Advertiser wrote.
"I love stealing bases," Burnett told The Daily Advertiser then. "It's a challenge. To me, it's like three against one. The pitcher, the catcher and either the second baseman or shortstop, whoever covers second, are all trying to get you out."
In the pros, Burnett played between high-A Miami and Salt Lake City. He saw 12 games at Miami, where he hit .179 and stole two bases.
He then moved to Salt Lake City by mid-July, when he knocked in two insurance runs for the Trappers. He then scored the game-winner as he collided with the catcher in an Aug. 2 game against Helena.
Overall, Burnett saw 27 games with Salt Lake City. He hit .200 and stole seven bases.
His season, however, prematurely ended Aug. 5, on a wild pitch that caught Burnett in the jaw. He was immediately taken for X-rays, where doctors determined the pitch had broken his jaw. Burnett ultimately required surgery, ending his season - and career.
- Lafayette Daily Advertiser, May 23, 1990: Ultimate challenge beckons to speedy senior Burnett
- Lafayette Daily Advertiser, June 7, 1990: 3 more Cajuns drafted
Made the Majors:1,426-31.8
Never Made Majors:3,058-68.2%-X
No comments:
Post a Comment