Sean Burroughs, a left-handed third baseman, began his Major League Baseball career with the San Diego Padres. Born on September 12, 1980, in Atlanta, Georgia, he was the son of former major league player Jeff Burroughs. Sean's baseball journey was marked by early promise, as he gained national attention during his Little League years, leading his team from Long Beach, California, to consecutive Little League World Series titles in 1992 and 1993.
Drafted by the Padres as the ninth overall pick in the 1998 MLB Draft, Burroughs quickly rose through the minor league ranks. His debut in the major leagues came on April 2, 2002, when he played against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Known for his contact hitting and defensive skills, Burroughs was initially seen as a potential cornerstone for the Padres' infield.
During his time with the Padres, Burroughs showcased his ability to hit for average, though he struggled to develop power at the plate, a common expectation for third basemen. His best season came in 2003 when he played 146 games, batting .286 with 7 home runs and 58 RBIs. Despite his solid batting average, the lack of power numbers was a point of critique throughout his tenure with the team.
Burroughs' time with the Padres ended after the 2005 season when he was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His stint with Tampa Bay was short-lived, as he played only eight games in the 2006 season before being released. This marked the beginning of a challenging period in his career, as he struggled to find a stable position on a major league roster.
After his release from Tampa Bay, Burroughs spent several years out of the major leagues, attempting comebacks through minor league contracts and independent league play. His perseverance paid off when he signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011. Burroughs made a return to the majors that year, appearing in 78 games and batting .273. His comeback was a testament to his determination to overcome the obstacles he faced in his career.
In 2012, Burroughs signed with the Minnesota Twins, but his time with the team was brief, as he played only 10 games before being designated for assignment. This marked the end of his major league playing days, although he continued to play in the minor leagues and independent leagues for a few more years.
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