Introduction
Art Burris (born August 27, 1945) is a former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1968 to 1980. Known for his durability and effective use of a sinker, Burris contributed to several teams during the 1970s, most notably the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles. His career spanned 13 seasons and included appearances in the postseason and a World Series championship in 1979.
Early Life and Education
Family and Childhood
Burris was born in Binghamton, New York, and grew up in a modest household. His parents, John and Dorothy Burris, encouraged athletic pursuits from a young age. Art developed a passion for baseball while attending Binghamton High School, where he played both pitcher and shortstop for the varsity team.
High School Career
During his junior and senior years, Burris posted a combined 6–1 record with a 1.75 earned run average (ERA). His performances attracted attention from local colleges, but he chose to enroll at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he joined the Terrapins baseball program.
College Baseball
At Maryland, Burris appeared in 28 games over three seasons, primarily as a reliever. He accumulated a 2.43 ERA and recorded 98 strikeouts in 110 innings pitched. His work ethic and consistency earned him the nickname “The Grinder” among teammates.
Professional Career
Draft and Minor Leagues
In the 1966 MLB Draft, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Burris in the 5th round. He signed shortly thereafter and began his professional career with the Rochester Red Wings of the International League. Over two seasons with Rochester, he compiled a 12–8 record and a 2.90 ERA, earning a promotion to the Triple‑A Tulsa Oilers in 1968.
Major League Debut with St. Louis Cardinals
Burris made his MLB debut on September 13, 1968, pitching a scoreless inning against the Houston Astros. Over his rookie season, he appeared in five games, posting a 1.80 ERA and recording one save. The Cardinals released him after the 1969 season, leading to his signing with the Boston Red Sox in 1970.
Boston Red Sox (1970–1972)
With the Red Sox, Burris was initially assigned to the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League. He was called up to the majors in September 1970 and pitched 2.1 innings in relief. In 1971, he made 18 appearances, registering a 3.27 ERA and one win. The 1972 season saw Burris as a more regular contributor, appearing in 32 games and finishing the season with a 2.94 ERA and three saves.
Baltimore Orioles (1973–1979)
In a trade that sent Burris to the Orioles in exchange for a minor league outfielder, he found a new role as a dependable setup man. His 1974 campaign was highlighted by a 1.98 ERA over 45 games. The 1976 season marked a career high with 15 saves, reflecting his ability to preserve close games.
During the 1979 postseason, Burris pitched in the American League Championship Series and the World Series, contributing a total of 3.1 scoreless innings. The Orioles triumphed over the Pittsburgh Pirates in seven games, securing Burris’s first and only championship.
Detroit Tigers (1980)
Following the 1979 season, the Orioles traded Burris to the Detroit Tigers. In 1980, he appeared in 20 games, posting a 4.45 ERA. After the season, the Tigers released him, and Burris did not return to the majors.
International Play
In 1975, Burris represented the United States in the Baseball World Cup, held in Mexico. He started two games, posting a 2.25 ERA and striking out eight batters across 13 innings pitched.
Playing Style and Skills
Pitching Arsenal
Burris relied on a fastball in the mid‑80s, complemented by a sinking curveball and a changeup that was effective against left-handed hitters. His sinker was noted for inducing ground balls, which was a key component of his success in relief appearances.
Fielding and Base Running
Defensively, Burris had a .950 fielding percentage, slightly above the league average for pitchers during his era. He rarely attempted to steal bases, aligning with the conservative approach typical of relievers of his time.
Personal Life
Family
Burris married his college sweetheart, Linda, in 1970. The couple has three children: two sons, Michael and Christopher, and a daughter, Sarah. After retirement, the family settled in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Post‑Baseball Career
Following his playing days, Burris entered the real estate business, becoming a licensed broker in 1982. He also served on the board of the Baltimore Orioles Alumni Association, organizing charity events and mentoring young athletes.
Legacy and Impact
Burris’s reputation as a dependable reliever during the 1970s is reflected in his consistently low ERAs and high save totals. His role in the Orioles’ 1979 championship run is frequently cited in discussions of the team’s bullpen strength. Although not a Hall of Fame candidate, his career exemplifies the importance of role players in baseball’s collective success.
Awards and Honors
- World Series Champion (1979)
- American League All-Star Reserve (1978)
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All‑American (1967)
- Inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Alumni Hall of Fame (2015)
Statistical Summary
Over 13 MLB seasons, Art Burris compiled a win–loss record of 39–35, a 2.82 ERA, 1,025 strikeouts, 53 saves, and 1,482 innings pitched. In the postseason, he recorded a 0–0 record with a 2.71 ERA across 5 appearances.
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