Former Slugger Pat Burrell To Be 2015 Inductee Into Phillies Wall of Fame
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Left fielder Pat Burrell will become the 37th inductee into the Phillies Wall of Fame on Friday, July 31, prior to the 7:05 p.m. game vs. the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park.
Burrell was the first overall selection out of the University of Miami in the 1998 First-Year Player Draft. He made his debut with the Phillies two years later. Burrell began his career as a first baseman, but became the club's left fielder just a few months later. One of Burrell's most notable moments was a seventh-inning double in Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. That hit led to the winning run as Phillies captured their second World Championship.
A right-handed slugger, Burrell hit 20 or more home runs in eight consecutive seasons and finished with 251, putting him behind only Mike Schmidt, Ryan Howard and Del Ennis in Phillies history. He hit .257 in 1,306 games, driving in 827 runs which places him on the Phillies top 10 all-time list.
Burrell, who was selected as a Phillies Wall of Famer through fan voting on Phillies.com, ended a 12-year career in the majors with the Tampa Bay Rays (2009-10) and San Francisco Giants (2010-11). He's currently a professional scout for the Giants.
"It's a tremendous honor and privilege to be added to the Wall next to Philly's all-time greats," said Burrell. "My family and I couldn't be more grateful for the support from fans. Their votes are the reason that I will now be enshrined in Phillies history."
Former Wall of Fame inductees are scheduled to attend the ceremony to kick off Toyota Phillies Alumni Weekend (July 31- August 2).
Burrell will also be among 40-50 former legends who will take part in Toyota Phillies Alumni Night on Saturday, August 1.
As the 2015 inductee, Burrell will be the honored guest at the annual Alumni Luncheon to be held on Thursday, July 30 at noon. Ticket information for this Diamond Club event will be announced at a later date.
Tickets for games during Toyota Phillies Alumni Weekend are currently on sale.