1. Overview
Ellis Rena Burks, born on September 11, 1964, is a former American Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder. Over an 18-season career spanning from 1987 to 2004, Burks played for five different MLB teams: the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, and Cleveland Indians. Throughout his distinguished career, he was a two-time MLB All-Star, earned two Silver Slugger Awards, received a Gold Glove Award, and became a member of the prestigious 30-30 club. Burks' significant contributions to baseball are recognized through his induction into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame.
2. Early life
Ellis Burks was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, but grew up primarily in Fort Worth, Texas. He attended Everman High School where he honed his baseball skills. Initially, Burks was largely overlooked by professional scouts. Despite this, he managed to secure a scholarship offer from Ranger Junior College following a showcase event held at Arlington Stadium. During his junior college career, his team competed in a championship, ultimately losing to a team led by future MLB player Jay Buhner from McLennan Community College.
3. Professional career
Ellis Burks' professional baseball career spanned nearly two decades, marked by periods of exceptional performance, significant achievements, and challenges, particularly injuries. He played for five different franchises, leaving a notable impact on each.
3.1. Boston Red Sox
Burks was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the first round as the 20th overall pick in the 1983 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut in the 1987 season at the age of 22, quickly establishing himself as the regular center fielder. In his rookie season, Burks became only the third player in Red Sox history to achieve the rare feat of hitting 20 home runs and stealing 20 bases in a single season. His impressive debut earned him selections to both the Baseball Digest and Topps "All-Rookie" teams. Defensively, Burks was highly regarded for his excellent range, reliable glove work, and strong throwing arm. However, his career was frequently impacted by injuries; he underwent shoulder surgery in 1989, which was the first of several physical setbacks. During the 1990 season, Burks notably hit two home runs in the same inning of a game, becoming the second player in Red Sox history to accomplish this, following Bill Regan who first achieved it in 1928.
3.2. Chicago White Sox
After six seasons with the Red Sox, and despite his history of injuries, Ellis Burks left Boston as a free agent, signing with the Chicago White Sox in January 1993. His tenure with the White Sox surpassed expectations, as he delivered a solid, injury-free season. He effectively filled the team's pressing need for a high-quality right fielder. Burks was a key performer for the White Sox in the playoffs that year, recording a strong batting average of .304.
3.3. Colorado Rockies
As a free agent at the conclusion of the 1993 season, Ellis Burks signed a five-year contract with the Colorado Rockies, playing with them from 1994 to 1998. This period marked some of the most productive years of his career. On April 17, 1994, Burks hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the 10th inning against the Montreal Expos, which remains the only major league walk-off home run ever hit at Mile High Stadium. His 1,000th career hit, a triple, also came against the Expos in July 1995.
The 1996 season was Ellis Burks' most exceptional year. He led National League hitters in runs with 142, slugging average at .639, total bases with 392, and extra-base hits with 93. He ranked second in hits with 211 and doubles with 45, and fifth in both home runs (40) and RBI (128). His .344 batting average placed him second in the batting title race, just behind Tony Gwynn's .353. Burks also finished third in the MVP voting for the season. Additionally, he stole 32 bases that year, making him, along with teammate Dante Bichette, only the second time that two players from the same team collected at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season. Burks continues to rank among the top ten in numerous offensive categories for the Rockies.
While with the Rockies, Burks was an integral part of the renowned "Blake Street Bombers," a formidable lineup that also included sluggers like Andrés Galarraga, Dante Bichette, Larry Walker, and Vinny Castilla. This powerful core was instrumental in the Rockies' offensive success, placing second in the National League for team home runs in 1994 and then leading the National League in home runs from 1995 to 1997.
3.4. San Francisco Giants
In the middle of the 1998 season, Ellis Burks was traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Darryl Hamilton and Jim Stoops. He made a significant impact with the Giants, particularly during the 2000 season. Batting fifth in the lineup behind star players like Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent, Burks put up impressive numbers, recording a .344 batting average, 24 home runs, and 96 RBI in only 122 games and 393 at bats. For his exemplary spirit and leadership on the field, he was honored with the Willie Mac Award in 2000.
3.5. Cleveland Indians and Red Sox return
After his productive stint with the Giants, Ellis Burks was signed by the Cleveland Indians. In his new role as a designated hitter (DH) for the Indians, Burks consistently delivered in the middle of the lineup. In 2001, he hit .280 with 28 home runs and 74 RBI, followed by an even stronger performance in 2002 with a .301 batting average, 32 home runs, and 91 RBI. However, injuries resurfaced in 2003 when he sprained his wrist during spring training. Despite playing in 55 games, the injury persisted, affecting the muscles in his right hand and impeding his ability to swing the bat effectively. Burks eventually underwent season-ending surgery to repair nerve damage in his right elbow. The Indians decided not to exercise their contract option for the 2004 season nor offer him salary arbitration. Consequently, he returned to the Boston Red Sox in 2004, playing in eleven games, though he did not make the postseason roster. Ellis Burks retired at the end of the 2004 season, notably concluding his career with a World Series ring from the team where he began.
3.6. Career statistics and achievements
Over his 18-year Major League Baseball career, Ellis Burks compiled impressive statistics and earned several significant accolades.
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .291 |
| Home Runs | 352 |
| Runs Batted In (RBI) | 1,206 |
| Runs Scored | 1,253 |
| Hits | 2,107 |
| Doubles | 402 |
| Triples | 63 |
| Stolen Bases | 181 |
| Walks | 793 |
| Games Played | 2,000 |
| Fielding Percentage | .983 |
- Awards and Honors:**
4. Post-playing career
Following his retirement as a player after the 2005 season, Ellis Burks remained involved in baseball. He joined the Cleveland Indians' front office staff, serving as a special assistant to the general manager. In 2021, Burks transitioned into a broadcasting role, joining NESN as a studio analyst and an alternate color commentator for Boston Red Sox games.
5. Personal life
Ellis Burks currently resides in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He is married to Dori, whom he met in Connecticut in 1985. The couple has a son, Chris, who also pursued a baseball career and played within the San Francisco Giants organization. They also have three daughters named Carissa, Elisha, and Breanna. Burks is a cousin of former Major League outfielder Roosevelt Brown.
6. Legacy and honors
Ellis Burks' impactful career and contributions to baseball are recognized through significant honors. He was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame, acknowledging his foundational years and impressive performance with the team that drafted him and with whom he concluded his playing career. His achievements, including multiple individual awards and membership in the 30-30 club, solidified his legacy as a versatile and powerful outfielder in Major League Baseball.