A. J. Burnett, American baseball player

A.J. Burnett: A Career Defined by Power, Longevity, and Memorable Moments

Allan James Burnett, widely known as A.J. Burnett, born on January 3, 1977, forged a distinguished 17-season career as an American professional baseball starting pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Recognized for his formidable fastball and sharp curveball, often delivered with an intense mound presence, Burnett's journey in the big leagues spanned across five different franchises, showcasing remarkable durability and a career marked by both flashes of brilliance and occasional wildness.

Early Career and MLB Debut

Burnett's professional baseball journey commenced when the New York Mets selected him in the eighth round of the 1995 MLB draft. This promising selection came directly out of Central Arkansas Christian School in North Little Rock, Arkansas, where his exceptional talent as a high school pitcher was already evident. During his time there, Burnett played a pivotal role in leading his team to back-to-back state championships, a testament to his early potential and competitive drive.

Despite being drafted by the Mets, A.J. Burnett never pitched a game for the organization at the MLB level. On May 14, 1998, he was part of a significant four-player trade, moving to the Florida Marlins along with Bobby Bonilla, in exchange for Al Leiter and others. This trade proved to be a pivotal moment for Burnett, setting the stage for his highly anticipated MLB debut with the Marlins in 1999, where he quickly began establishing himself as a formidable force on the mound.

Navigating the Major Leagues: Team Transitions and Key Contributions

A.J. Burnett's extensive and impactful career saw him play for five different MLB teams, often making a significant mark wherever he pitched. His transitions between clubs were a mix of strategic free-agent signings and significant trades, reflecting the dynamic nature of a long professional career in baseball:

• Florida Marlins (1999-2005): After his MLB debut, Burnett spent seven seasons with the Marlins. It was during this period that he truly made a name for himself, developing into a front-line starter known for his high strikeout numbers and powerful repertoire. He was a cornerstone of their rotation before moving on.

• Toronto Blue Jays (2006-2008): Following his tenure with the Marlins, Burnett signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as a prominent free agent prior to the 2006 season. He quickly became the ace of their pitching staff, consistently delivering strong performances and serving as a reliable leader in their rotation.

• New York Yankees (2009-2011): Before the 2009 season, Burnett once again entered free agency and signed a lucrative deal with the New York Yankees. His time in New York culminated in a career-defining achievement: he was a crucial member of the 2009 World Series champion Yankees, playing a vital role in their memorable championship run. Burnett made three starts in the 2009 postseason, including two crucial starts in the World Series, earning a win in Game 2.

• Pittsburgh Pirates (2012-2013, 2015): The Yankees traded Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates before the 2012 season. This move marked a significant career resurgence for Burnett, as he thrived in Pittsburgh. He quickly became a fan favorite and a veteran anchor for a Pirates team that broke a long playoff drought, making consecutive postseason appearances in 2013 and 2014.

• Philadelphia Phillies (2014): After two successful years with the Pirates, Burnett signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for the 2014 season. He spent one season in Philadelphia, continuing to pitch at a competitive level and providing a veteran presence in their rotation.

• Return to Pittsburgh (2015): In a fitting and sentimental conclusion to his career, A.J. Burnett rejoined the Pittsburgh Pirates for his final MLB season in 2015. This return allowed him to end his playing days with the team where he experienced a profound late-career renaissance, solidifying his legacy in Pittsburgh as a beloved figure.

Career Defining Moments and Achievements

A.J. Burnett's extensive career was punctuated by several remarkable individual accomplishments that underscore his exceptional talent and unique pitching style:

• No-Hitter (May 12, 2001): One of the most unique and memorable no-hitters in MLB history was tossed by Burnett on May 12, 2001, while playing for the Florida Marlins against the San Diego Padres. Despite issuing an astonishing nine walks during the game, he completed the full nine innings without allowing a single hit, securing a complete game shutout. This extraordinary feat is particularly notable as the nine walks tied an MLB record for the most walks issued in a no-hitter, underscoring his often-unpredictable but undeniably potent pitching style.

• National League Leader in Shutouts (2002): In 2002, playing for the Florida Marlins, Burnett demonstrated his ability to dominate opposing lineups by leading the National League (NL) in shutouts, a testament to his effectiveness in closing out games and his stamina on the mound.

• American League Strikeout King (2008): While with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2008, Burnett showcased his powerful pitching arsenal, leading the entire American League (AL) in strikeouts with an impressive 231 K's for the season. This cemented his reputation as one of the game's premier strikeout artists and validated his raw talent.

• World Series Champion (2009): As a pivotal starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, Burnett earned a coveted World Series ring in 2009, contributing significantly to their championship victory by providing key starts throughout the postseason.

• MLB All-Star Selection (2015): In a true testament to his longevity and ability to perform at a high level late in his career, Burnett was selected to the National League roster for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. This late-career All-Star nod highlighted his continued excellence and popularity among fans and peers.

Frequently Asked Questions About A.J. Burnett's Career

When was A.J. Burnett born?

A.J. Burnett was born on January 3, 1977.

Which MLB teams did A.J. Burnett play for?

A.J. Burnett played for the Florida Marlins (1999-2005), Toronto Blue Jays (2006-2008), New York Yankees (2009-2011), Pittsburgh Pirates (2012-2013, 2015), and Philadelphia Phillies (2014).

Did A.J. Burnett win a World Series?

Yes, A.J. Burnett was a key starting pitcher for the New York Yankees team that won the World Series in 2009.

What was unique about A.J. Burnett's no-hitter?

A.J. Burnett's no-hitter on May 12, 2001, was exceptionally unique because he walked an MLB-record nine batters while still managing to not allow a single hit, achieving a complete game shutout.

What were some of A.J. Burnett's major pitching achievements?

Beyond his record-setting no-hitter and World Series championship, A.J. Burnett led the National League in shutouts in 2002 and the American League in strikeouts in 2008. He was also selected as an MLB All-Star in 2015, showcasing his remarkable longevity.