Pat Burrell

Burrell finished his college career with 61 home runs, 187 runs batted in (RBI), and 170 walks in 162 games. His .442 batting average was seventh all-time by an NCAA player, and his slugging percentage of .888 was second only to Pete Incaviglia. In February 2008, Burrell was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

On July 24, Burrell and the Phillies agreed to a five-year contract with a $3.15 million signing bonus. Upon signing, Burrell was assigned to the single-A advanced Clearwater Phillies of the Florida State League, and he was moved to first base because Scott Rolen, Philadelphia's third baseman in the major leagues, had just won the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year Award. Read Less

On May 24, he replaced Kevin Jordan (who had been filling in for injured Opening Day first baseman Rico Brogna) as the Phillies' first baseman. Making his major league debut that day, he had two hits (his first coming against Octavio Dotel) and two RBI in a 9–7 victory over the Houston Astros. The following day, he hit his first career home run in a 10–6 loss to Houston. On June 20, with the Phillies trailing 2–1 against the New York Mets, he hit a home run against Mets' closer Armando Benítez to make the score 2 - 2 in an eventual 3–2 victory for Philadelphia. The next day, Burrell had five RBI, two home runs, and his first career grand slam in a 10–5 victory for Philadelphia. On July 2, he had four hits and two RBI in a 9 - 1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He remained the Phillies' first baseman when Brogna returned in July. He had five RBI, two home runs, and a grand slam on August 8 in a 10–4 victory over the San Diego Padres. On August 9, newly acquired outfielder Travis Lee was moved to first base, and Burrell was moved to left field for the rest of the year. On September 21, he had a game-winning walk-off single against Rick White in a 6–5 victory against the Mets. He finished the season with 18 home runs, 79 RBI, and a .260 batting average in 111 games, and he had the fourth most votes for the NL Rookie of the Year Award. Read Less

In Game 2 of the NLDS against Atlanta on October 8, Burrell hit a three-run home run in a 5 - 4 loss. On October 16, in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Phillies, he had an RBI double against Roy Halladay. Nate Schierholtz then pinch-ran for him, scoring the winning run in the Giants' 4 - 3 victory. In the World Series, Burrell struck out nine times in eleven at bats, had no hits, and was benched for Game 4. However, the Giants won the World Series in five games, and Burrell received his second championship ring.

On November 1, Burrell filed for free agency. Read Less