Pat Burrell will hold a special place in the hearts of many Phillies fans. (AP)
A few days ago, the news broke that former Phillies outfielder Pat Burrell was announcing his retirement from Major League Baseball after 12 productive seasons. For me, this new brought with it some sadness for me as well as a smorgasbord of memories from the slugger affectionately known as “Pat the Bat.” I would personally like to offer my congrats to Pat on a wonderful career and thank him for everything he ever did for this city while he was here.
I still remember my first thoughts when I saw Pat for the first time wearing a Phillies uniform. “Wow, this guy is going to be a difference maker for us”… That he was indeed…
During his time in Philly, Burrell was always one of my favorite players. Granted, he had his slumps, but what player doesn’t, and I always knew that he would come out of it and murder a baseball, like he made a living doing while manning left field here.
It wasn’t always pretty, as his running motion (all movement and no forward progress) would bring a smile to my face even on the simplest of grounders. However, you could not fault him for not trying. Burrell had one of the strongest work ethics on the team and that was admirable in itself. He wasn’t the fastest player nor the best fielder, but he would always give it 100% every single time out there. At least, that’s how I perceived it.
I still remember my first thoughts when I saw Pat for the first time wearing a Phillies uniform. “Wow, this guy is going to be a difference maker for us”… That he was indeed…
During his time in Philly, Burrell was always one of my favorite players. Granted, he had his slumps, but what player doesn’t, and I always knew that he would come out of it and murder a baseball, like he made a living doing while manning left field here.
It wasn’t always pretty, as his running motion (all movement and no forward progress) would bring a smile to my face even on the simplest of grounders. However, you could not fault him for not trying. Burrell had one of the strongest work ethics on the team and that was admirable in itself. He wasn’t the fastest player nor the best fielder, but he would always give it 100% every single time out there. At least, that’s how I perceived it.
Pat leading the parade down Broad Street. (AP)
While the fielding at times was sketchy, there was no doubt that Burrell’s power at the plate would be there. He ended his Philly career with 251 homers, currently 4th all time in Phillies’ history, and delivered some memorable home runs. From his first career home run off of Scott Elarton down in Houston, to his walk off home run against Brian Wilson during the 2008 season punctuated by his almost homer during Game 5 of the 2008 World Series, in what turned out to be his final at-bat as a Philadelphia Phillie’ the biggest hit of his career.
Of course, there is the memorable scene of Burrell leading the World Series Championship parade down Broad Street. He was appropriately first in line leading our boys home on the greatest day of my life and was first in my heart for all those years.
Hats off to you Pat, thanks for everything! I look forward to your Phillies Wall-Of-Fame induction.
Of course, there is the memorable scene of Burrell leading the World Series Championship parade down Broad Street. He was appropriately first in line leading our boys home on the greatest day of my life and was first in my heart for all those years.
Hats off to you Pat, thanks for everything! I look forward to your Phillies Wall-Of-Fame induction.
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