Ray Burris

Ray Burris transitioned from a formidable pitcher in Major League Baseball to a dedicated pitching coordinator and coach, bringing decades of professional experience to player development. After earning All-America honors in 1972 and setting a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics record with 150 strikeouts, Ray Burris was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 17th round of the 1972 MLB June Amateur Draft. He made his Major League Baseball debut on April 8, 1973, for the Cubs against the Montreal Expos, pitching 3.1 scoreless innings. Demonstrating early promise, Burris achieved a 2.92 ERA in his debut season.

He later led the Oakland Athletics in 1984 with 13 wins, a 3.15 ERA, and 211.2 innings pitched. In 1985, while with the Milwaukee Brewers, he recorded his 1,000th career strikeout, fanning Ozzie Guillen. Following his playing retirement in 1987, Burris transitioned seamlessly into coaching and player development, leveraging his extensive professional experience. He began as an assistant to the General Manager for the Milwaukee Brewers, also serving as a minor-league instructor.

From 1990 to 1991, he advanced to the role of the Brewers’ Major League pitching coach. His coaching journey continued with the Texas Rangers organization, where he worked in both their bullpen and minor league systems, contributing to the development of numerous aspiring pitchers. Further expanding his impact in player development, Burris joined the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers organizations.

Within these teams, he served as a dedicated pitching instructor and coach for various minor league affiliates, including the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Currently, Ray Burris holds the critical position of Rehabilitation Pitching Coordinator for the Philadelphia Phillies organization, where he focuses on guiding injured players through their recovery and refining their throwing mechanics, ensuring their effective return to competitive play.