Ray Burris is a distinguished former Major League Baseball pitcher whose professional journey spans over a decade, showcasing his versatility and resilience on the mound. He began his career with the Chicago Cubs, where he made an immediate impact by achieving a remarkable 2.92 ERA in his debut season. Burris quickly established himself as a reliable starter, leading the Cubs with fifteen victories in 1975 and demonstrating his prowess with a career-best 249 innings pitched that season.

After his tenure with the Cubs, Burris transitioned to the New York Yankees and later the New York Mets, where he continued to hone his skills. His time with the Mets was marked by a strong performance in 1980, where he showcased his ability to pitch deep into games, including a complete game victory against the first-place Expos. Burris’s adaptability was evident as he navigated through challenging seasons, ultimately signing with the Montreal Expos, where he achieved a significant milestone by pitching a complete game shutout in the 1981 National League Championship Series.

Burris’s career took a positive turn when he joined the Oakland Athletics, leading the team with thirteen wins and a stellar 3.32 ERA as a starter in 1984. His contributions were pivotal in solidifying the A’s pitching rotation, and he continued to excel with the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals, where he made notable contributions both as a starter and in relief roles.

Transitioning from player to coach, Burris leveraged his extensive experience to mentor young pitchers. He served as a pitching coach in various organizations, including the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers, before joining the Philadelphia Phillies as their rehabilitation pitching coordinator. His commitment to developing talent and sharing his knowledge has made a lasting impact on the game, ensuring that his legacy continues through the next generation of pitchers.