Jeff Burroughs, an American professional baseball player, spent his career as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on March 7, 1951, in Long Beach, California, Burroughs was a right-handed batter and thrower. He was drafted by the Washington Senators as the first overall pick in the 1969 MLB Draft, marking the beginning of his journey in professional baseball.
Burroughs made his MLB debut with the Senators in 1970, a team that would soon relocate and become the Texas Rangers. His early years with the Rangers were a period of growth and development, as he gradually established himself as a powerful hitter. By 1973, Burroughs had a breakout season, hitting 30 home runs and driving in 85 runs, which set the stage for his most remarkable year in 1974.
The 1974 season was a highlight in Burroughs' career. He achieved a batting average of .301, hit 25 home runs, and led the American League with 118 runs batted in (RBIs). His outstanding performance earned him the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, making him the first player from the Texas Rangers to receive this honor. This accolade solidified his reputation as one of the league's top hitters.
After his tenure with the Rangers, Burroughs was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1977. During his time with the Braves, he continued to demonstrate his batting prowess. In 1977, he hit 41 home runs, which was a career-high, and drove in 114 runs. His performance that year earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, further showcasing his abilities on a national stage.
Burroughs' career also included stints with the Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, and Toronto Blue Jays. While his later years in the league did not reach the same heights as his peak seasons, he remained a valuable player known for his power hitting. Over the course of his career, Burroughs accumulated 240 home runs and 882 RBIs, with a lifetime batting average of .261.
In addition to his individual achievements, Burroughs was part of a baseball family. His son, Sean Burroughs, followed in his footsteps and became a professional baseball player, playing in MLB as well. This connection added a familial dimension to his legacy in the sport.
Jeff Burroughs retired from professional baseball after the 1985 season.
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