Wally Burnette

Background

He was born in Blairs, Virginia.

Career

His key pitch was his knuckleball. Burnette was signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Yankees, but was traded to Kansas City for future Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda on July 11, 1956. Burnette"s daughter said of him:

He thought the salaries were drawing were ridiculous.

What he made then wasn"t even 1 percent of what they"re making now.

He played for the love of the game.

Achievements

• In three seasons, he compiled a win-loss record of 14–21, appeared in 68 games, started 27 games, completing 5 games and once pitching a shutout, pitched 262.7 innings, walked 122, struck out 122, gave up 259 hits, and had a career European Research Area of 3.65.