A. J. Burnett

2.1. High School Career

Burnett attended Central Arkansas Christian Schools in North Little Rock, Arkansas. During his time there, he was a standout athlete, contributing significantly to his high school baseball team. He helped lead the team to achieve back-to-back state championships, showcasing his early talent and potential as a pitcher.

4.1. Florida Marlins

Burnett played parts of the 1999 and 2000 seasons with the Marlins before his first full regular season in 2001. That year, he finished with an 11-12 record and an ERA of 4.05. A highlight of his tenure with the Marlins occurred on May 12, 2001, when he pitched a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres in a 3-0 victory. This feat was particularly unique as he issued nine walks and one hit batsman, throwing 129 pitches with only 65 strikes, making it a no-hitter achieved despite significant control issues. His game-worn cap and a baseball from this game are preserved and displayed at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. On September 7, 2001, Burnett also gained notoriety for accidentally striking the window of a moving pick-up truck with a warm-up pitch.

In 2002, Burnett recorded a career-best ERA of 3.30, finishing with a 12-9 record and 203 strikeouts, a personal best he would not surpass until 2008. He also led all major league pitchers with five complete game shutouts, all of which were recorded in home games, and held opponents to a .190 batting average, ranking third in the league. His fastball velocity averaged 94.9 mph that season, making it the fastest among all major league starters.

The 2003 season was severely limited for Burnett, as he made only four starts before undergoing Tommy John surgery on April 29, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He was on the injured reserve list during the Marlins' 2003 World Series championship run against the Yankees, earning a championship ring. He returned to action in June 2004 and made 19 starts for the Marlins, going 7-6 with an ERA of 3.68. Notably, even in his first season back from surgery, he was able to throw pitches recorded at 102 mph. A less serious elbow injury sidelined him for most of September 2004.

The 2005 season was Burnett's last with the Marlins before he became eligible for free agency. He sought to test the market, making it unlikely for the Marlins to re-sign him due to their financial constraints. Despite being a trade target for several teams before the July 31 deadline, he remained with the Marlins. He experienced a strong period around the trade deadline, stringing together seven consecutive wins after his record dropped to 5-6 following the All-Star break. However, he then lost six consecutive decisions, including four losses in five starts with an ERA of 5.93, as the Marlins' wild-card chase faltered in September. He concluded the season with a 12-12 record and a 3.44 ERA. His fastball velocity averaged 95.6 mph in 2005, again leading all major league starters.

On September 27, 2005, Burnett was asked to leave the Marlins team after publicly criticizing the organization's approach, stating, "We played scared. We managed scared. We coached scared." He later apologized for his comments, expressing his passion and commitment to winning. Due to his dismissal, Burnett finished the season one inning short of a 50.00 K USD bonus for pitching 210 innings and was two strikeouts shy of his second 200-strikeout season. After his contract expired, the Marlins did not attempt to re-sign him.

4.2. Toronto Blue Jays

On December 6, 2005, during the Baseball Winter Meetings in Dallas, Texas, the Toronto Blue Jays signed A. J. Burnett to a five-year contract worth 55.00 M USD. The Blue Jays took a risk given his injury history. The 2006 season began with Burnett on the disabled list due to scar tissue from his previous Tommy John surgery. He was activated on April 15, 2006, making his first start for the Blue Jays against the Chicago White Sox, where he took the loss after giving up four runs in six innings. In his next start, he was removed early due to arm soreness, leading to another two-month stint on the disabled list. Despite these setbacks, he finished the 2006 season with a 10-8 record and a 3.98 ERA.

In 2007, after a difficult opening day outing, Burnett settled down, finishing April with a 2-1 record and a 4.18 ERA. He was the only Blue Jays pitcher to make all his starts through the first two months of the season, posting a 3.98 ERA over 71.0 IP. However, he missed 48 games due to two separate stints on the disabled list, concluding the season with a 10-8 record and a 3.75 ERA. He recorded 176 strikeouts, surpassing his innings pitched total for the first time in his career.

The 2008 season started with frustration due to a right index finger injury sustained during the offseason when his nail was partially torn in a car door. Despite this, Burnett had a career-best season, avoiding the disabled list for the first time in seven years. In early September, he carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox before giving up a hit. In his final start of the season on September 24 against the Yankees, he pitched eight innings, striking out 11 batters. He received a memorable standing ovation and a curtain call upon his relief, finishing the season with an American League-leading 231 strikeouts.

Burnett concluded the 2008 season with an 18-10 record, setting career highs in wins (18), games appeared in (35), and innings pitched (221.1 IP). His 34 starts also led the AL. He threw curveballs 29.2% of the time, a higher percentage than any other AL starter. His five-year contract with the Blue Jays included an opt-out clause after the 2008 season, which he exercised, becoming a free agent.

4.3. New York Yankees

On December 18, 2008, A. J. Burnett signed a five-year contract worth 82.50 M USD with the New York Yankees. In his first season with the Yankees, he started 33 games, pitched 207.0 IP, and recorded 13 wins with a 4.04 ERA. On June 20, 2009, in the third inning of a game against the Florida Marlins, Burnett achieved an immaculate inning, striking out all three batters on three pitches each, becoming the 39th pitcher in MLB history to accomplish this feat. He also reportedly had a difficult relationship with starting catcher Jorge Posada, refusing to be battery mates with him.

Burnett made his postseason debut on October 9, 2009, in Game 2 of the American League Divisional Series against the Minnesota Twins, earning a no-decision in a Yankees win. He also pitched a no-decision in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. His first career World Series start came in Game 2 against the Philadelphia Phillies on October 29, where he earned his first postseason win by pitching seven innings, striking out nine, and allowing only one run. However, in Game 5 of the 2009 World Series, he set a postseason record by hitting Shane Victorino in the first inning, his fifth hit batter of the 2009 postseason. The Yankees ultimately won their 27th franchise championship, defeating the Phillies in six games, earning Burnett his second career championship ring.

The 2010 season saw Burnett start strong with a 6-2 record through May. However, his performance declined significantly in June, a period when Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland was on a leave of absence. Burnett went winless during this time. His winless streak ended upon Eiland's return, but he later injured his hand by punching a door out of frustration after a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. He finished the 2010 season with a 10-15 record, a career-worst 5.26 ERA, and a 1.51 WHIP.

On June 24, 2011, Burnett struck out four batters in one inning against the Colorado Rockies, becoming the first Yankee in team history to achieve this rare feat. His 2011 season was similar to 2010, as he finished with an 11-11 record, a 5.15 ERA, and a 1.44 WHIP. In the 2011 American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers, Burnett pitched 5.2 IP, giving up only one run despite four walks, helping the Yankees win Game 4 and force a decisive Game 5, which they ultimately lost. During his Yankees tenure, Burnett was known for his "pie in the face" celebration, where he would surprise players responsible for walk-off victories with a towel full of whipped cream.

Burnett's three years with the Yankees, during which he started 98 of 99 games, resulted in a 34-35 record and a 4.79 ERA. Despite his consistent presence in the rotation, his high-value contract was often seen as a significant financial misstep for the Yankees, similar to other high-profile free agent signings of that era.

4.4. Pittsburgh Pirates (First Stint)

During the 2011-2012 offseason, the Yankees expressed interest in trading Burnett. He reportedly invoked his no-trade clause to block a deal that would have sent him to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Bobby Abreu, citing his family's desire to remain on the East Coast. On February 18, 2012, the Yankees agreed to trade Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor leaguers Exicardo Cayones and Diego Moreno. As part of the deal, the Yankees agreed to pay 20.00 M USD of the remaining 33.00 M USD on Burnett's contract.

On March 1, 2012, Burnett suffered an orbital fracture to his right cheek bone after being hit by a bunt during batting practice. This injury required surgery and was expected to sideline him for at least two to three months. He began his rehab stint on April 6, pitching for the Pirates' High-A affiliate, the Bradenton Marauders, and made his first start for the Pirates on April 21 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Burnett quickly became a crucial part of the Pirates' success in the early 2012 season. On June 28, 2012, he became the first Pirates pitcher since Dock Ellis in 1974 to win eight consecutive games, improving his record to 9-2 with a 3.31 ERA. He also emerged as a clubhouse leader, mentoring the young Pirates pitching staff. Heading into the All-Star break, Burnett had a 10-2 record and a 3.68 ERA, and the Pirates had won 12 consecutive games in which he was the starting pitcher.

On July 31, 2012, Burnett pitched a complete game one-hitter against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. He came within four outs of his second career no-hitter before giving up a pinch-hit single in the eighth inning. This performance improved his record to 13-3, marking the first time in his career his pitching record was 10 games above .500. On August 5, 2012, he was named the NL Player of the Week for the first time since 2005. On September 23, 2012, Burnett became the first Pirates pitcher to win at least 15 games in a single season since Todd Ritchie in 1999. He finished his first season in Pittsburgh with a 16-10 record, a 3.51 ERA, 202.1 IP, 180 strikeouts, 62 walks (his lowest since his injury-shortened 2006 season), and a 1.241 WHIP.

On August 16, 2012, during an afternoon game at PNC Park against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Burnett had a memorable on-field exchange with Hanley Ramirez. After Ramirez hit a home run and performed a celebration that Burnett perceived as disrespectful, Burnett struck him out in his next at-bat and famously told him to "sit the f*** down." This moment was captured on television and quickly became a popular Internet meme, a rallying cry, and inspired a local clothing brand in Pittsburgh.

On April 1, 2013, Burnett tied a franchise opening day record with 10 strikeouts in a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs, matching the achievements of Bob Veale (1965) and John Candelaria (1983). On April 17, 2013, against the Cardinals, he recorded his 2,000th career strikeout, becoming the 68th pitcher in MLB history and fourth active pitcher to reach this milestone. On June 13, 2013, he was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a Grade 1 calf tear, returning on July 7. Burnett finished the 2013 season with a 10-11 record, but a career-best 3.30 ERA in 30 starts. He pitched 191.0 IP with 209 strikeouts (his most since 2008 and second-highest career total), 67 walks, and a 1.215 WHIP. His strikeout rate (K/9) of 9.85 was the best in the league. He played a significant role in the Pirates' first winning season and postseason appearance in 21 years. After the Pirates were eliminated from the postseason, Burnett stated he would either return to Pittsburgh or retire. He remained a free agent as spring training began but ultimately decided to continue playing, though not with the Pirates.

4.5. Philadelphia Phillies

On February 16, 2014, A. J. Burnett signed a one-year, 15.00 M USD contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. The deal included a mutual option for the 2015 season and a limited no-trade clause. On April 27, 2014, it was revealed that Burnett had been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. He received a cortisone shot in an attempt to delay surgery until after the season. On May 20, 2014, Burnett achieved a significant career milestone by recording a victory against all 30 MLB teams, a rare feat for a pitcher.

He ended the 2014 season with an 8-18 record and a 4.59 ERA. His 96 walks issued and 18 losses both led Major League Baseball. On November 3, 2014, Burnett declined his 12.75 M USD player option, making him a free agent. This decision came a day after the mutual option of 15.00 M USD was also declined by both the Phillies and Burnett.

4.6. Return to Pittsburgh

On November 14, 2014, Burnett signed a one-year, 8.50 M USD contract to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates, choosing to accept a lower salary than his previous option with the Phillies to rejoin his former team. He announced that the 2015 season would be his last in professional baseball. On July 6, 2015, he was selected for his first career All-Star team, a significant honor in his final season. On July 11, in a game against the Cardinals, Burnett hit a solo home run, his fourth career home run. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list with elbow inflammation on July 31 and returned to the active roster on September 10.

On September 10, 2015, during his first start back in Pittsburgh after his injury, a Bat-Signal appeared in the sky above PNC Park and other downtown locations, a tribute to Burnett's known fandom of Batman. Burnett later described the moment as "by far the coolest thing that's happened" in his career. He completed his final season with a 9-7 record and a 3.18 ERA in 26 starts, pitching 164.0 IP with 143 strikeouts.

5.1. Pitch Arsenal and Velocity

Burnett primarily utilized four pitches in his arsenal. His main pitches were a four-seam fastball and a sinker, which typically ranged from 91 mph to 94 mph. He also featured a knuckle curveball, thrown at speeds between 80 mph and 83 mph. Less frequently, he threw a changeup to left-handed hitters, which generally ranged from 87 mph to 89 mph.

His curveball was particularly effective, boasting a high 44% whiff rate throughout his career, making it a strong swing-and-miss pitch. His changeup was also effective, primarily for inducing groundouts, with a ground ball/fly ball ratio of better than 5:1. Burnett was known for his high velocity, averaging 94.9 mph on his fastball in 2002 and 95.6 mph in 2005, leading all major league starters in both seasons. In 2005, a speed gun at PNC Park once recorded his fastball at 104 mph, though this specific reading was debated and not officially certified as a world record.

5.2. Control and Consistency

Despite his powerful pitches, Burnett faced considerable control problems throughout his career. He notably led the major leagues in wild pitches twice and in hit batters once. These statistics highlight a career-long struggle with command, which often led to high walk totals. For instance, in 2009, he led the league in walks allowed with 97, and in 2014, he again led the Major Leagues with 96 walks issued.

However, Burnett was also a very effective strikeout pitcher. He led the American League with 231 strikeouts in 2008 and achieved a career-high 209 strikeouts in 2013, leading the league in strikeout rate (K/9) that year. This combination of high strikeout rates and high walk rates defined his often-erratic but potent pitching performances.

5.3. Strengths and Weaknesses

Burnett's primary strengths as a pitcher included his high strikeout rates and the sheer velocity and movement of his pitches, particularly his fastball and curveball, which allowed him to generate many swinging strikes.

His notable weaknesses included persistent command difficulties, as evidenced by his high numbers of walks, wild pitches, and hit batters. Additionally, Burnett was known for having a poor quick motion to the plate, making him susceptible to stolen bases. As of August 2012, he was also the active leader in fielding errors by a pitcher, with 33 errors.

6.1. Major League Honors and Records

• No-hitter**: Pitched a 3-0 no-hitter against the San Diego Padres at Qualcomm Stadium on May 12, 2001. Notably, he issued nine walks and one hit batsman in this game.
• League Leader in Shutouts**: Led the National League with five shutouts in 2002.
• League Leader in Strikeouts**: Led the American League with 231 strikeouts in 2008.
• Immaculate Inning**: Achieved an "immaculate inning" (striking out three batters on nine pitches) on June 20, 2009, becoming the 39th pitcher in MLB history to do so. He was the first Yankee to accomplish this feat.
• Four Consecutive Strikeouts in One Inning**: Became the first Yankee pitcher in team history to record four consecutive strikeouts in one inning, which occurred on June 24, 2011.
• 2,000 Career Strikeouts**: Reached the milestone of 2,000 career strikeouts on April 17, 2013, becoming the 68th pitcher in MLB history to do so.
• All-Star Selection**: Selected for his first career MLB All-Star Game in 2015.
• Victory Against All 30 MLB Teams**: Achieved a victory against all 30 Major League Baseball teams on May 20, 2014, a rare accomplishment for a pitcher.

6.2. Team-Specific Achievements

• Florida Marlins Franchise Records**: Ranks third all-time on the Florida Marlins' win list with 49 victories. He is also first all-time in franchise history for complete games (14), shutouts (8), and strikeouts (753).
• Toronto Blue Jays Duo Record**: In 2008, Burnett (18-10) and Roy Halladay (20-11) combined for 38 wins, setting a new franchise record for the most wins in a season by a pitching duo, surpassing the 37 wins by Jack Morris and Juan Guzmán in 1992.
• New York Yankees World Series Champion**: Was a member of the 2009 World Series champion New York Yankees, earning his second career championship ring.
• Pittsburgh Pirates Franchise Record**: Became the first right-handed pitcher in Pittsburgh Pirates history to record 200 or more strikeouts in a single season (2013). In 2012, he was the first Pirates pitcher since Dock Ellis in 1974 to win eight consecutive games, and the team won 12 consecutive games in which he was the starting pitcher.

7.1. Family and Personal Details

A. J. Burnett graduated from Central Arkansas Christian Schools. He was raised as a Catholic. His off-season residence is in Monkton, Maryland.

Burnett is known for his extensive collection of tattoos. He got his first tattoo, a depiction of his pitching motion on his left calf, while playing in the minor leagues. He later added other tattoos, including an Aztec symbol visible on his right leg in a Blue Jays commercial, and an image of Bruce Lee on his left triceps. Burnett also had his nipples pierced and wore nipple rings. Early in his career, he reportedly named his bats after Marilyn Manson songs.

Burnett is married to Karen, and they have two children, Ashton and A. J. Jr. In December 2010, reports surfaced on ESPN about his divorce, but Burnett publicly denied these reports.

7.2. Post-Playing Career Activities

Following his retirement from professional baseball, Burnett has engaged in community initiatives. In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Burnett collaborated with the Pittsburgh Clothing Company to create a shirt promoting social distancing. The shirts featured the phrase "Stay The F*** Home," a nod to his famous "Sit the F*** Down" slogan from 2012, repurposed to encourage self-quarantining and prevent the spread of the virus.