1987–2004 · CF

Ellis Burks

6' 2", 175 lbs·Lived to 62·Bats R / Throws R

2×Silver SluggerGold GloveAll-Star

The Almanac's Take

Burks was supposed to be the next great Red Sox center fielder, but injuries kept derailing what could have been a Hall of Fame trajectory. His 1994 season in Colorado's thin air represents one of the more tantalizing "what if" stories in baseball — he posted a ridiculous 1.066 OPS in just 42 games before his back gave out again.

The five-tool talent managed just one fully healthy season in his 18-year career, yet still compiled 352 home runs and a solid .291 average. His career OPS+ of 115 tells the story of consistent above-average production despite constant physical setbacks.

Burks exemplified the modern center fielder — power, speed, and defense when healthy. His Gold Glove and two Silver Sluggers hint at what might have been if his body had cooperated with his considerable talent.

Career Highs

1.066

Best OPS · 1994

Most HR · 1996

128

Most RBI · 1996

.344

Best AVG · 2000

Career Arc · OPS

18 seasons

Statistical Comps

Bobby Witt

100%

2024 season

ISO .256 · K% 15.0 · BB% 8.0 · HR% 4.5

Jorge Polanco

99%

2025 season

ISO .229 · K% 15.7 · BB% 8.1 · HR% 5.0

Shohei Ohtani

99%

2024 season

ISO .336 · K% 22.3 · BB% 11.1 · HR% 7.4

Career · Batting

18 seasons

Year	Team	G	AB	HR	RBI	AVG	OPS	OPS+
1987	BOS	133	558	20	59	.272	.765	102
1988	BOS	144	540	18	92	.294	.848	122
1989	BOS	97	399	12	61	.303	.836	120
1990	BOS	152	588	21	89	.296	.835	118
1991	BOS	130	474	14	56	.251	.736	104
1992	BOS	66	235	8	30	.255	.744	106
1993	CWS	146	499	17	74	.275	.793	108
1994	COL	42	149	13	24	.322	1.066	140
1995	COL	103	278	14	49	.266	.856	113
1996	COL	156	613	40	128	.344	1.047	136
1997	COL	119	424	32	82	.290	.934	124
1998	COL	142	504	21	76	.292	.861	114
1999	SF	120	390	31	96	.282	.964	124
2000	SF	122	393	24	96	.344	1.025	131
2001	CLE	124	439	28	74	.280	.911	120
2002	CLE	138	518	32	91	.301	.903	121
2003	CLE	55	198	6	28	.263	.779	103
2004	BOS	11	33	1	1	.182	.543	71
Career		2000	7232	352	1206	.291	—	—

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