Brock Burke Bio
Brock Christopher Burke (born August 4, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Texas Rangers. Known for his resilience and skill on the mound, Burke has made significant contributions to his teams since his debut in 2019, culminating in a World Series championship in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Brock Burke was born in Evergreen, Colorado, where he developed a passion for baseball at a young age. He attended Evergreen High School, where he showcased his talent as a pitcher. In his senior year, Burke struck out 20 batters in a single game against Eaglecrest High School at Coors Field, a remarkable feat that highlighted his potential. After high school, he committed to further his education and baseball career at the University of Oregon.
Path to Baseball
Burke was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the third round of the 2014 MLB draft, with the 96th overall pick. He signed with the Rays for an above-slot bonus of $897,500. His professional debut came later that year with the Gulf Coast Rays, where he faced challenges, finishing with a 10.80 earned run average (ERA) in 13+1⁄3 innings pitched. However, he showed improvement in subsequent years, pitching for teams like the Princeton Rays and the Hudson Valley Renegades, where he began to establish himself as a promising pitcher. Burke’s performance continued to improve, and he was added to the Rays’ 40-man roster after the 2018 season, reflecting his growing reputation within the organization.
Brock Burke Career
Early Career (2014-2018)
Burke’s early career was marked by his development in the minor leagues. After being drafted in 2014, he spent several seasons honing his skills across various teams in the Rays’ organization. In 2017, he had a standout season with the Bowling Green Hot Rods and the Charlotte Stone Crabs, achieving an impressive 11-6 record with a 2.99 ERA. His consistent performance earned him recognition and set the stage for his eventual promotion to the major leagues.
Breakthrough (2019-2023)
Burke made his major league debut on August 20, 2019, against the Los Angeles Angels, where he recorded four strikeouts over six scoreless innings. This impressive debut was a significant milestone in his career. However, his journey was not without setbacks; he missed the entire 2020 season due to shoulder surgery. Burke returned to form in 2022, posting a 7-5 record with a 1.97 ERA, which earned him the Texas Rangers Rookie of the Year award. In 2023, he played a crucial role in the Rangers’ success, contributing to their World Series championship.
Notable Works and Milestones
Burke’s signature achievement came in 2023 when he was part of the Texas Rangers team that won the World Series. His performance throughout the season, particularly in high-pressure situations, solidified his reputation as a reliable pitcher.
Brock Burke Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Brock Burke has received recognition for his performances, including being named the Texas Rangers Rookie of the Year in 2022.
Brock Burke Awards Won
Burke’s most notable award is the World Series championship he achieved with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
Brock Burke Family
Information regarding Brock Burke’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Brock Burke has experienced somnambulism, or sleepwalking, throughout his life. This condition has led to some unusual incidents during his time in the minor leagues, where he was observed waking up suddenly and acting out during the night. His experiences with sleepwalking have added a unique aspect to his personal narrative as a professional athlete.