University of Tennessee Athletics
Astros Agree To Terms With Burke
July 24, 2001 | Baseball
June 21, 2001
HOUSTON -- Houston Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker announced today that the club has agreed to terms with shortstop Chris Burke, the Astros first-round selection in the 2001 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Burke will be assigned to Class A Michigan in the Midwest League. He is scheduled to be in Houston tomorrow to attend the Astros game with the Cincinnati Reds.
"Chris is one of the most exciting players we have drafted in a number of years," Hunsicker said. "He has all of the skills to be a great top of the lineup hitter. He possesses the ability to get on base, as well as excellent speed to steal bases."
"This is an exciting opportunity for me," Burke said. "I made it clear to everybody that I wanted the whole signing process to be short and quick. Houston was able to do that, and I am very thankful for that. I am excited about getting out on the field and having an opportunity to start working my way up in the organization."
The 5-foot-11, 183-pound Burke, the 10th overall selection in the draft, hit .435 with 20 home runs, 60 RBI, and 49 stolen bases last season. The University of Tennessee junior shortstop led the Volunteers to an appearance in the 2001 College World Series, where he batted .389 (7x18) with a home run and six steals. He was the unanimous choice as the 2001 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and was a first team All-America selection by Collegiate Baseball, Baseball Weekly, NCBWA, and ABCA/Rawlings.
While at Tennessee, Burke shattered most of the school's career hitting marks, many of which were held by the Colorado Rockies Todd Helton. He leaves as the Vols' all-time leader in at-bats, hits, runs scored, singles, doubles, triples, total bases, and extrabase hits, while placing third in stolen bases, fifth in RBI, and ninth in home runs. He is just the sixth player in SEC history to finish with a career batting average of .400 or better (.404, 314x777).
Burke is one of the three finalists for the 14th Rotary Smith Award that honors the college baseball player of the year. The award is given by the Rotary Club of Houston and the gala award dinner will be held at the Doubletree-Post Oak in Houston on June 28. He has also been named a finalist for the National Player of the Year by ABCA/Rawlings, the Dick Howser Award, and Baseball America.
The selection of Burke with the 10th overall pick is the highest the Astros have drafted since 1992 when they selected third baseman Phil Nevin of Cal-State Fullerton with the first overall pick.
