Paying a Tribute To Pat Burrell

Pat Burrell. The Phillies former first round pick has been a familiar face in the Phillies lineup over the last eight years. Philly fans have dealt with the ups and downs from him over these years. Now, it is time to say goodbye to Pat, and I wanted to pay tribute to his Phillies career.

He was drafted first overall by the Phillies in 1998. He was brought up as a first baseman in 2000. He hit well in his first year, hitting .260 with 18 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 139 strikeouts in 111 games. This was a solid first year for the player that showed so much promise.

The next year, he moved to left field. This was more than likely because of his fielding difficulties at first base in his first year. He hit 27 home runs in his sophomore season, and played in 155 games. He also struck out 162 times.

The next year, he hit 37 home runs, and struck out 153 times in 157 games played. This was one of his best seasons in a Phillies uniform, when he also batted .280. This was the year that he got national recognition, and became a household name across the country.

However, over the next two seasons, he struggled. In 2003, he hit only 21 home runs, and struck out over 140 times, playing in only 146 games. This was a considerably worse year, compared to his previous seasons. In 2004, he hit another rough year, hitting only 24 home runs, and playing in only 127 games. This was his worst year as a professional, as he hit the DL for the first time in his career.

In 2005, he had a huge comeback season. he hit 32 home runs, and played in 154 games. He had his highest batting average as a pro as well that year, hitting .281. This was his best year as a member of the Phillies.

Over the past three years, he has put up consistent numbers, hitting about 30 home runs per year, playing in 150 games per year, and striking out at a high rate. These three years have been some of the most memorable, though.

This year, 2008, was his contract year. He started out the season hitting over .350 in April, and some were talking about an MVP award for him.  ESPN and other networks were talking about the next contract he would get, and he couldn't have been higher at any point so far in his career.

Over the next few months, he slowed down dramatically, and lowered his average to below .250 at one point. He finished strong over the last few weeks of the season, however, getting his 30th, 31st, and 32nd home runs.

He led the Phillies to the playoffs, and against the Brewers, hit two home runs in the game that clinched it for the Phillies. In the World Series, he hit the double that would eventually score the winning run for the Phillies.

He leaves Philly with a World Series ring, and a lot of money. He went through a lot of ups and downs in his career, from being the next top prospect to a draft bust, and back to a 30 home run per season player.

He was almost traded several times, but always managed to stay put. Philly fans are split on his departure, but they all know one thing: He was a huge part of their championship team, and they are going to miss their left fielder. I wish Pat the best of luck wherever he signs next, and I hope that he never forgets his time in Philly.