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(Courtesy Southern Illinois Miners, Photo Credit: MAAC Sports)
The Southern Illinois Miners have announced that they have signed corner infielder Chris Burke.
Burke was drafted in the 18th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft by the San Diego Padres. In 2013 he split his time at four different levels within the Padres organization from low-A Ft. Wayne through Triple-A Tucson. In 261 at bats, he hit .295 with 15 doubles and four home runs.
Chris played his college baseball at Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y., where he had a dominant career. Over his four seasons he owned a career batting average of .324. In his final season in 2012, he hit .351 with 20 doubles, 11 home runs and 50 runs batted in. In his last two years for the Gaels, Chris compiled a 1.060 OPS.
“Chris comes on some tremendous recommendations from people throughout the Padres organization,” Miners manager Mike Pinto said. “Everyone agrees that Chris can flat out hit. Former Miner Tyler Stubblefield was a teammate of Chris’ and he knows what kinds of players have success with us and strongly recommended him. I am very excited to add such a quality player and person to our team.”
