Pat Burrell To Be 2015 Inductee Into Wall of Fame For Philadelphia Phillies

Left fielder Pat Burrell will become the 37th inductee into the Phillies Wall of Fame on Friday, July 31, prior to the 7:05 p.m. game vs. the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Burrell was the first overall selection out of the University of Miami in the 1998 First-Year Player Draft.

He made his debut with the Phillies two years later. Burrell began his career as a first baseman, but became the club’s left fielder just a few months later. One of Burrell’s most notable moments was a seventh-inning double in Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. That hit led to the winning run as Phillies captured their second World Championship.

A right-handed slugger, Burrell hit 20 or more home runs in eight consecutive seasons and finished with 251, putting him behind only Mike Schmidt, Ryan Howard and Del Ennis in Phillies history. He hit .257 in 1,306 games, driving in 827 runs which places him on the Phillies top 10 all-time list.

Burrell, who was selected as a Phillies Wall of Famer through fan voting on Phillies.com, ended a 12-year career in the majors with the Tampa Bay Rays (2009-10) and San Francisco Giants (2010-11). He’s currently a professional scout for the Giants.

“It’s a tremendous honor and privilege to be added to the Wall next to Philly’s all-time greats,” said Burrell. “My family and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support from fans. Their votes are the reason that I will now be enshrined in Phillies history.”

In related news, the Phillies promoted Michael Stiles to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Stiles previously served as senior vice president for administration and operations, a position he held since 2007. He joined the Phillies front office staff in 2001 as vice president for administration and operations.

In his new leadership role, Stiles will spearhead all business operations and supervise the general administration of the club.

“Mike is highly respected by the Philadelphia business community, Phillies staff and those in baseball who have come to know him since jo

ining the Phillies 14 years ago,” said Phillies President Pat Gillick. “Mike has proven himself to be a strong leader on a wide variety of critical business issues. He is a trusted advisor to many, but particularly to me, David Montgomery and our ownership group.”

“I greatly appreciate the opportunities afforded to me by the Phillies and the confidence they have shown in me,” said Stiles. “It is a privilege to work with the exceptionally fine people in this organization and in an industry as exciting as Major League Baseball.”

[Photo Credit: Source]

Pat Burrell To Be 2015 Inductee Into Wall of Fame For Philadelphia Phillies