Ellis Burks

From SoSH

Ellis Rena Burks (born September 11, 1964 in Vicksburg, MS), played outfield and designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox over parts of 7 seasons.

Contents 1 Overall Career 2 Awards 3 Achievements 4 Moment in the Sun 5 Trivia 6 Transactions 7 External Links

Overall Career

Selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 1st round (20th pick) of the 1983 amateur draft, Burks made his debut in the 1987 season as a regular center fielder at age 22, becoming the third player in the 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. The only problem for Burks while with the Red Sox was that he was injury-prone. He had shoulder surgery in 1989, and it was the first of many setbacks for him. Later he suffered from bad knees and back spasms. After six pretty good seasons in Boston, and despite his injuries, Burks ended up leaving as a free agent and signing with the Chicago White Sox in January 1993.

Burks found his old self in Chicago. He surpassed all 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 lucrative 5-year contract with the Colorado Rockies (1994-98).

In 1996 Burks enjoyed his best season. He led National League hitters in runs (142), slugging average (.639), total bases (392) and extra-bases (93); was second in hits (211) and doubles (45), and fifth in home runs (40) and RBI (128). His .344 was also second in the batting title race (behind Tony Gwynn, .353). Burks finished third in the MVP voting. He also stole 32 bases that season, marking only the second time ever that two players from the same team collected at least 30 home runs and 30 steals, as Colorado outfielder Dante Bichette accomplished the same feat that year. He remains in the top ten in many offensive categories for the Rockies.[1]

Burks was traded to the San Francisco Giants in mid-season 1998. In 2000, batting fifth behind Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent, he compiled significant numbers of .344, 24, 96, in only 122 games and 393 at-bats. He was signed by the Cleveland Indians after the season. In his new role as a DH for the Indians, Burks provided a consistently production in the middle-of-the-lineup, hitting .280, 28, 74 in 2001, and .301, 32, 91 in 2002. The Indians didn't pick up their 2004 contract option or offer him salary arbitration.

Much to the delight of Red Sox fans everywhere Burks returned to the Red Sox in 2004, although he missed most of the season due to injury. Although Ellis was left off the post season roster, he did play a role in the Red Sox 2004 World Series Championship. Burks recieved a standing ovation in his final game at Fenway Park and retired at the end of the season.

In 18-year career Burks was a .291 hitter with 352 home runs, 1206 RBI, 1253 runs, 2107 hits, 402 doubles, 63 triples, and 181 stolen bases in 2000 games.

Awards

• 2-Time Major League All-Star (1990 & 1996)
• 2-Time Silver Slugger Award (1990 & 1996)
• 1987 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
• 1990 American League Gold Glove (Outfield)

Achievements

• NL Leader in Slugging Percentage (1996)
• NL Runs Scored Leader (1996)
• NL Total Bases Leader (1996)
• 20-Home Run Seasons: 9 (1987, 1990 & 1996-2002)
• 30-Home Run Seasons: 4 (1996, 1997, 1999 & 2002)
• 40-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1996)
• 100 RBI Seasons: 1 (1996)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 1 (1996)
• 200 Hits Seasons: 1 (1996)

Moment in the Sun

• In 1996, Ellis led league in runs, slugging average, total bases and extra bases. Also joined the 30-30 Club that season

Trivia

• Ellis' highest single season contract was $7,166,667 in 2003 with the Cleveland Indians

Transactions

• January 11, 1983: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 1st round (20th pick) of the 1983 Amateur Draft. Player signed May 17, 1983.
• December 19, 1992: Granted Free Agency.
• January 4, 1993: Signed as a Free Agent with the Chicago White Sox.
• October 27, 1993: Granted Free Agency.
• November 30, 1993: Signed as a Free Agent with the Colorado Rockies.
• July 31, 1998: Traded by the Colorado Rockies to the San Francisco Giants for Jason Brester (PTBNL), Darryl Hamilton, and Jim Stoops.
• November 2, 1998: Granted Free Agency.
• November 13, 1998: Signed as a Free Agent with the San Francisco Giants.
• October 30, 2000: Granted Free Agency.
• November 19, 2000: Signed as a Free Agent with the Cleveland Indians.
• October 28, 2003: Granted Free Agency.
• February 6, 2004: Signed as a Free Agent with the Boston Red Sox.
• November 2, 2004: Granted Free Agency.

External Links

• Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis