| John Burke | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born: February 9, 1970 Durango, Colorado |
|
| Batted: Both | Threw: Right |
| MLB debut | |
| August 13, 1996 for the Colorado Rockies | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| July 10, 1997 for the Colorado Rockies | |
| Career statistics | |
| Earned run average | 6.75 |
| Record | 4-6 |
| Strikeouts | 58 |
| Teams | |
John C. Burke is a former 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 and played in the 1991 College World Series.[1] 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.[2]
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. During his big league career, 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.
Currently, Burke lives in Littleton, Colorado.
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