DBAHO Posted March 17, 2004 Share Posted March 17, 2004 In 1993, Jamie Burke was drafted by the Angels. The California Angels. They represent Anaheim now, but Burke is still trying to make a name for himself. The 32-year-old Burke has been bouncing around the minor leagues for the past 11 seasons. Other than a brief appearance with the Angels in 2001 and playing in six games with the White Sox last year, his professional career has been chock full of injuries, disappointment and plenty of long bus rides. It's a journey Burke would take again. "I never thought of giving it up,'' Burke said. "There are bumps in the road I've had to take, but they've only made me stronger. And the last few years, I've become a smarter player.'' Burke has been getting very high marks from White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen this spring and is on the verge of locking up a job on the 25-roster. Primarily a catcher the past eight seasons, Burke has been playing some third base in the Cactus League this spring. That's Joe Crede's position, but the White Sox need a dependable reserve and Burke has shown he can do the job. "I came up with the Angels as a third baseman,'' Burke said. "I knew they wanted me to work at third base this spring and it's a position I'm still comfortable playing. Obviously, being able to play two positions, it's kind of a bonus. It puts me in a good situation.'' Juan Uribe is the Sox' primary utility infielder, but he's most comfortable at shortstop and second base. Burke didn't hesitate when the White Sox asked him to play third. "Jamie Burke is a bulldog,'' Guillen said. "I love that kid. He goes out every day and does his job. He does whatever I tell him to do. Hopefully, everything will go well for him and he'll have a chance to make the team.'' Burke thought he'd be breaking camp with the Angels in 2002, but his name was included in the last round of cuts. In 1999, Burke was batting .336 at Class AAA Edmonton when he received a call from Anaheim. But in his final game before heading to the major leagues, Burke was hit by a pitch on the left elbow and missed the rest of the season with a fracture. "That was pretty tough to take,'' Burke said. "I was having a career year and I was supposed to go up the next day. You can say, 'This isn't fair' and start looking around for something else to do. But I never thought that way. I've always had fun coming to the ballpark and I still do. That's why I've kept playing.'' From Cedar Rapids to Vancouver to Charlotte, Burke has played in 946 minor-league games while dreaming of finally establishing himself at baseball's highest level. When the Sox head to Kansas City for the April 5 season opener, Burke finally should get his chance. "I don't want to look too far ahead because I know how things can happen,'' he said. "But I know I can play, and I've gotten better the last few years. I haven't let anything get me down and that's going to help me in the future.'' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted March 17, 2004 Share Posted March 17, 2004 It will be interesting to see how this kid responds. It looks like he will be the 25th man on the roster and finally get the chance he has been waiting 11 years for. Now what does he do with it??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted March 17, 2004 Share Posted March 17, 2004 It will be interesting to see how this kid responds. It looks like he will be the 25th man on the roster and finally get the chance he has been waiting 11 years for. Now what does he do with it??? At 32, he's hardly a kid. Let's hope he makes the most of this long awaited oppotunity and has a good year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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