Pat Burrell: 2000-2008
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Sun, December 14, 2008 02:29 AM | Comments: 59
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For nine years, Pat Burrell has occupied a spot on the Phillies roster. Whether wearing number 33 or number five, whether playing first base, third base or left field, Burrell has been a known quotient in Philadelphia.
Not anymore.
Burrell represents the hope we all experience as Philadelphians. A southern-bred, muscular boy with infinite swagger, Burrell came to Philadelphia with loads of hype. He was the next Greg Luzinski, the next Mike Schmidt, the next massive figure to crank home runs into the yellow seats of Veterans Stadium. And maybe Burrell would lead the Phillies to a World Series title. Maybe he would finish as one of the franchise’s greatest sluggers.
But the results never quite met the high expectations. In 2002, Burrell broke the glass mirror with an exceptional offensive campaign, hitting 37 home runs at age 25. By the end of the season, he had alerady registered 82 career dingers. But that pace would slow, just as his legs would slow, and his body would ache.
After that unbelievable 2002 campaign, General Manager Ed Wade — thinking the kid was on his way to ultra-stardom — signed Burrell to a six-year contract worth $50 million. At the time, it was a monstrous contract, and with its no-trade clause and myriad bonuses, it resembled the type of pact only reserved for the kings of the game. Philadelphians were prepared for six years of unmatched offensive production.
Instead, they saw Burrell age very quickly. Injury after injury tolled, and Burrell became a shell of a player — even in 2003, that first season of the massive contract, he produced horrid numbers (.209, 21 HR, 64 RBI). A year removed from a potential MVP campaign, Burrell became public enemy No. 1.
The legacy of Pat Burrell in Philadelphia seemed destined to be about a man who fell tragically short of expectations in a starving sports city. But you can thank Chase Utley and Ryan Howard for altering that — the emergence of the Phillies’ premiere bats lifted the weight off Burrell, who by 2006 was platooning with Jeff Conine. While he found a resurgence in 2005, he soon fell into a consistent line of 30 home runs, 90 runs batted in, and a .255 average. Nothing spectacular — nothing like Schmidt — but very solid, and very good following his star teammates.
In 2007, the legacy turned. His production — now more of a bonus — was accepted, while his ethic earned praise. Always wanting to play, always in the midst of action, Burrell became something of a clubhouse leader, a 30-year-old veteran who was totally equipped to play in Philadelphia, totally at peace with his abilities. And someone totally able to rise to the ocassion.
Take his noted home runs against Billy Wagner during the 2007 season. And take his unbelievable second-half resurgence in 2007, one main reason the Phils were able to overtake the Mets in the National League East. Moreover, his first-half storm in 2008 helped stake the Phils out to a lead in the division, one they’d regain by the end of the campaign.
By his final season in Philadelphia, everyone knew what they’d get out of Burrell. Everyone knew he wasn’t the game-changing Hall of Fame player they originally expected. Instead, we knew he was a solid, above-average offensive player with very little defensive abilities. He was a steady power hitter with a knack for a few big hits in big situations.
Everlasting Burrell
Two stood out in his final season. The first, a two-run home run with two strikes and two outs against San Francisco fastball closer Brian Wilson. Thrown a juicer up high, Burrell slammed the ball into the left field seats, scoring the game-winning runs in an extra-innings win over the Giants.
The second will always remain in my mind.
Bottom of the seventh inning. Tied 3-3 against the Rays in game five of the World Series. Up until that point, Burrell had been ice cold at the plate, hitless in the series. But all day I’d boasted that The Bat would come through. I posted about the possibility of a key Burrell home run. I told my dad that Pat would come through.
Leading off that seventh, Burrell took a pitch square to left-centerfield. I stood at attention as the ball sailed toward the fence — it was going to go over, it had to have! But no, it fell inches short. Literally, inches. While Burrell slowed up, he still coasted into second base with a determined double. And one pinch hitter later, Burrell was trotting off the field, applause at his back — the Philadelphia faithful thanking him. That was it. It seemed perfect.
And yet.
Maybe Pat should’ve deserved a better sendoff. Maybe. But wait — that final moment actually seemed like the perfect close to his Philadelphia career. A player known for his offensive prowess swung a beauty into the night sky, and the ball dropped against the wall. Of course he hit a double — hitting a home run would’ve been too legendary, would’ve been too Hall of Fame. Burrell wasn’t coming through altogether; instead, he was setting up the Phillies for success. He was letting his teammates finish the deed. He came up inches short, just as he came up short of being a true legend.
But that’s no problem. Pat Burrell wasn’t Mike Schmidt. He probably wasn’t even Greg Luzinski. But Burrell was always him — always honest, always true, always Philadelphian. The southern boy was always quick to recognize his mistakes, and quick to know when others needed to pick him up. And that’s Burrell’s legacy — while he never will be remembered as one of the franchise’s top players, he’ll always be that top draft pick who found his niche and hit it well. And often.
Sure, Pat wasn’t Mike Schmidt. But hey, he was always Pat.
And I’ll miss him.
Posts: 0 Stuart
I miss him too. I would rather have him over ibanez any day. Pat the Bat is a true Phillie and I honestly never thought I would see him leave the Phils. I thought he would always wear the red pin stripes. I think its a mistake letting him go, he did what we asked, and helped us win a Championship.
Im gonna miss you Pat.
Good luck to him where ever he goes.
Posted: 02:40 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Chutley
Pat the Bat, a true Phillie. Stu, i too thought i would never see the day when he left. I am glad that he was able to win a World Phuckin Series. Not just win but be the man who had the big hit when we needed it. Pat Burrell you earned your spot in this town. You played through the boo’s and the cheers and i will never forget the HUGE LIP you always had. You deserve to have your number retired. Yo may not be Michael Jake but you are definetely a Phillie that should always be remebered.
Posted: 03:18 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 BIg Guy
Chutley hahah………. PAt Burrell always had the most dip in. If ESPN ever does a story about baseball players and Tobacco Dip Pat burrell has to be one of the headliners. A Great Phillie. Love ya Patty.
Posted: 03:21 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Greg V.
I’ve been driven to tears twice today over Pat Burrell. I’ve been a fan of his since he came up, and Comcast’s tribute and now this were both beautiful. Burrell was and always will be a Phillie in my book. He was the heart and soul of the team. With all his success and all his failure, he was the personification of a Philadelphia athlete. In a way, I’m glad his final hit as a Phillie was his double in Game 5. In another way, I could have lived with this guy being on the team the rest of his career. I will always applaud Pat, no matter what team he plays for. I miss him already! I raise my glass to you Pat! To a great tenure in the city of brotherly love! Cheers!
Posted: 03:35 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Fran
well said tim
Posted: 03:40 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Dave H
This was a wonderfully written article for a wonderful Phillie. I do hate to see him go but he did what he had to, just as I feel the Phillies are doing what they have to in letting him go.
Posted: 03:42 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 metsblow4show
I am truely going to miss Pat the Bat, he was one of my favorites. He never turned into the superstar that alot of Philadelphians expected of him. but what he did turn into was a solid player and the backbone of this organization. He could have stood around pouting and bitching when the fans ripped him for his inconsistency, but he never did, he took it like a man and kept on plugging and earned our respect. Anything that happened on that field, whether it was defending a teammate or congratulating one, Pat was always the first one up the dugout steps. He was a true teammate and a true Philadelphian ! I’m still gonna follow Pat’s career as closely as I did here, because he is one of us, he is one of our boys. I wouldn’t be suprised if old #5 resurfaces again here sometime as we look for a piece to put us over the hump in another playoff run. Good Luck, Pat….I Luv Ya, man !
Posted: 04:14 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Phil
Can someone find a video of the Comcast tribute to Pat Burrell? I really want to watch it. I had no idea this was being aired.
Posted: 05:10 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 UES
Lived in Queens last year. Was at the game when Pat hit the dinger off Wags in the 9th (best live sports moment I think I have ever seen). It was me, my girlfriend, and a couple of underage kids I was buying beers who were up from Philly. I had given up on him years ago, but since that game I saw him differently; dude showed heart. Hope to see him on the wall of fame soon.
Posted: 05:24 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Phil
Friday morning I got woken up early by a text message saying RIP Pat Burrell. I was in a state of delusion and actually think he died so I went on the internet to find out what had happened and saw the Phillies signed Ibanez. He mine as well have been dead. For Pat to play in another uniform is heartbreaking to me. He has become a true Philadelphian and I will miss him a lot. I was at game 5 and when he came up to bat in the bottom of the 7th I cheered extra loud knowing that there was a probability that it was his last at bat. I was standing by Ashburn Alley in center field, and when he hit that ball I said there it is homerun. Prior to the game I said Pat Burrell was going to have a walk off home run in the bottom of the 9th, at least that’s how I wanted the World Series to end. When I watched that ball sail to center field I thought it was going out. When it didn’t I still thought to myself that someone will drive him(well Bruntlett) in. Even though Pedro Feliz drove him in and had the game winning hit in my eyes it was Pat Burrell that had the game winning hit. I will never forget either of those hits, but the hit that will stick out in my memory will not be Pedros blooper up the middle, it’ll be Burrell’s line drive off of the center field wall. I will miss Pat Burrell deeply. I am very disappointed the Phillies let him walk, although I believe that Ibanez will be a good suitor. I think inevitably it’ll be a wash between the 2 as far as production goes, but since it will end up being a wash wouldn’t you rather have the guy that is a true Philadelphian and a true Phillie?
Posted: 05:40 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Nationals#1
jeez, this sounds like a eulogy. RIP, Pat.
Posted: 05:54 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Phillies Phan SC
I thought he died for a few minutes. I like Pat. You are right, he was never a Mike Schmidt, but he was the common link between the horrible Phillies’ season of the late 1990s early 2000s and the great Phillies seasons of 2006-2008. For that I will miss him.
Posted: 08:19 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 t
The new Pat will only be a shadow of his Philly self. The guy is married for Christ’s sake!
In all seriousness, I’ve watched this guy play more baseball than any other player on the planet (I’m only 20 and probably saw this guy play over 700 times on tv) and it will be tough to see him in another uni. I guess this is how in your youth sports prepare you for the ultimately sad saga that is life. /damnit Tim you got me sad again
Posted: 08:54 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Gavin
There’s alot of things to remember about Pat. A Mets killer. How many grand slams at old Shea? It is appropo that his last hit was a sure HR that ended as a double…..but as you said it was an important double…..and Pat turned into a great leader. I doubted him after his run ins with Bowa, but the guy proved me wrong. My 3 year old knows all the Phillies names and the first one he could ever repeat back to me was Pat Burrell. When I ask him what does Harry say when Pat Burrell hits, he says, “That balls outta heeeere.”
I told him yesterday that Pat Burrell wouldnt play for the Phils anymore and he asked why? I couldnt figure out how to explain it to him and he said that maybe Pat Burrell was hurt and would come back. Oh well.
God speed Pat……just please don’t sign with the Mets or Braves!!!
Posted: 10:07 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 The Dipsy
Tim, I guess I’ve never told you that I fancy myself a bit of a writer also and was contemplating a piece on Pat Burrell and his “complicated” place in Phils lore. But sir, you have said everything I could have said and said it better. One thing we can say about Pat during those gut wrenching years of no production and big money – he kept plugging and kept his mouth shut while trying to come to terms with whatever hitting bugaboos the baseball gods foisted upon him. I did admire him in the end and I rooted for him. I confess I won’t miss the “Burrell Curl” (pulling in his gut on the inside strike) but I wish him many more 30/90/.255′s years to come. Just do it in the AL please.
The Dipsy
Posted: 10:35 AM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 psujoe
Goodluck to Pat, we’ll miss you.
Did he fire his agent yet for thinking he deserves 15 per?
Posted: 12:15 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 PhillipdaPhanatic
We will MISS him even more when we see that piece of crap RAUL IBANEZ out there.
I miss gilick.
Posted: 12:21 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 558 Brian Michael
I think we’ll all miss Pat, especially his center city exploits…
http://www.philliesnation.com/images/burrell_and_friends.jpg
Posted: 12:27 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 130 Amanda Orr
Nice tribute
So thank you Pat, for being a favorite player of mine for a long time. Thank you, for at times being one of my least favorite players. Thank you for 251 career homeruns. Thank you for striking out looking. Thank you for getting walked. Thank you Elivis, Pat’s dog, for supporting the Phillies every home game. Thank you for running slower than I can walk. Thank you for those clutch hits off Wagner and the Mets. Thank you for beating Chris Coste to the mound after the Phillies clinched the 2007 NL East. Thank you for your 2 homeruns in the NLDS. Thank you for your World Series hit. Thank you for the World Series Championship. Thank you for riding the Clydesdale. Thank you for wearing number 5. Thank you for never complaining. Thank you, for being a Philadelphia Phillie.
*click name for rest of my tribute*
Posted: 12:40 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Chase
Well said. Pat will always be a Philly in my mind. It is tough to see him go
Posted: 12:51 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 john of Albuquerque
Great article about an overpaid athlete who was a gentleman with the media but largely a disappointment. I hope he finds a home in the American League as a successful designated hitter. Raul Ibanez is a horrible replacement — too old for too much money. I hope I am wrong. We should have gone after Ty Wigginton — for less money and more flexibility.
Posted: 12:52 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Georgie
Tim, thank you for such a beautiful tribute to our Pat Burrell. I have been mulling this move over and trying to see the positives, and came to the realization that my attachment to Pat is maybe a little more emotional than rational. My mom, who passed away 3 years ago, loved Pat, he was her favorite player, and when he would come to the plate, I would always be reminded of mom, and I’ll really miss that. When I saw him leading the parade, I just broke down thinking how proud mom would have been of her “Patty”. The summer she got sick was when I first noticed Pat with a wad of tobacco in his cheek. I told her he was chewing, and she just wouldn’t believe it, she was so afraid he’d ruin that gorgeous smile. I suppose I’ll have to get mlb extra innings now so I can follow our boy Pat wherever he may goes.
Good luck to you Pat, we will miss you, and Elvis too!
Posted: 12:54 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Chase
Tim, are you going to post something about Raul Ibanez?
Posted: 01:25 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Matt Kwasiborski
Amazing article, Tim, very well said. I always admired Pat because of his hard working and never complaining attitude. I think only Donovan has caught more (way more) of the anger than Pat the Bat. However, he never once complained, he a press conference or didn’t play to the best of his ability every single game. He knew what Philly was about and embraced it and took it all in as no other recent athelete with as much hype could handle (AI being the one player who seemed to handle it just as well).
My favorite memories are just watching him come to the plate in Shea. Rarely has an athelete walked into a NY sporting arena and made the crowd actually nervous everytime they touched the ball or had an at bat. I mean you could sense the tension rising as the PA announcer called his name and he strode to the plate. I don’t think tension rises that much in such a short amount of time. It was awesome. The other times I remember about Pat were when he made a big catch just when you thought he couldn’t get to it and it saved a big inning or the announcer on TV just said, “Pat isn’t known for his defense out there in LF.” And you knew when Pat was locked in when he was driving balls to RF.
I will be there when they retire his number in 5 years. Good luck and I wish him success on his next team.
Posted: 01:33 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 goosebumps
i have a feeling we havent seen the last of burrell in this town. i think maybe in a few years he may somehow end up back here as pinch hitter or something. might be nice to have him retire here as well.
Posted: 02:11 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 tc
I’d like to think about Pat Burrell with giant eagle wings, singing “Holy Diver” with like an angel band, and I’m in the front row and I’m hammered drunk.
Posted: 02:59 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 tb
I’m a Mets fan and have come to dislike Burrell due to his success against us. That being said, that was a really well written piece of work.
Posted: 03:37 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Manny
I was there for his big home-run against the Giants… and I will miss that unique “Pat the Bat” feeling that comes with those sudden power-burst moments. He was a leader for our team, helped us win th WS, and now leaves as a Phillie hero. He will be missed.
Posted: 04:14 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Jenn
Pat is the essential Philly guy; he worked his ass off, took the boos with dignity and grace and put his heart into everything. He may not have been the fastest runner, but the man chugged when it mattered the most. He’ll be sorely missed by his teammates and the fans. At least we got to send him off with a ring.
Posted: 05:24 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 pb
I really feel the Phillies need a quality defensive 4th or 5th outfielder, one that is capable of playing all 3 spots and pinch running. With a 36 year old in LF to go along with Victorino and Werth (who are know stragers to the DL) I feel it is a must. I looked at all the Free Agents and depth charts of every MLB team. There are a few guys out there but how about our annoucers son, Gary Matthews Jr? Yes I know he is extremely overpaid (which may still be an understatement) How about we do an NBA like deal (bad contracts for a bad contrats)
The Angels have NO left handed bats literally NONE with Garret Anderson still unsigned
All the players we trade are on their last year of their respective deal
to angels
Eaton 9mil
Jenkins 8mil
Stairs 1mil (love him but he doesn’t belong on a non-expanded NL roster)
total 18mil going to the angels they save 15mil
to phils
Matthews jr 33mil
(2009-10mil 2010-11mil 2011-12mil)
So we have Matthews jr for basically 15mil over the next 3 years. God forbid one of our everday outfielders go down for an extended period of time maybe he plays well and maybe just maybe we could trade him the following offseason by eating a portion of his remaining salary.
Will it happen? I extremely doubt it. But I don’t think it is that crazy.
Posted: 06:43 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Ryan
as i sit and reflect on the career of pat burrell as a phillie, i can’t help but think how he could have truly become and all time great if he just had a bigger commitment to his own health and staying in shape. He spent too many years drinking and smoking cigarettes and chasing tail around old city, and not enough time keeping his body in tip top shape. But never the less, his blessing was natural ability to slug the daylights outta the ball, but he never truly possessed that killer instinct of an all time great player.
Posted: 07:22 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Brooks
Reality folks, reality…
Although I will miss Pat too, he was a dissapointment. What an April (this past year) hitting .326, leading the league in RBI. Then came the AS break. He wound up hitting .215 (.205 in Sept) with only 10 hrs in 63 games.
Pat lacked what Ibanez will give us, consistency. He hit .321 after the AS break – (OK, only .215 in Sept, which would mean that his August numbers rocked – .396!).
Ibanez played in a pitcher friendly park, knocking in over 100 runs in the past 3 years with a very, very lousy club.
Reality check people. Stop letting your emotions get in the way of reality!
We will be just fine as long as our pitching holds up… (nother story!)
Posted: 08:25 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Ruppert
I will always give Pat credit for never asking out of Philly when he was clearly struggling and not living up to his contract. He never pointed the finger at anyone else or pissed and moaned as too many athletes who have passed through Philly in recent years have. He offered no excuses for his struggles even when it came out later that he was frequently playing hurt. For all of his struggles I will always remember him as the “MET KILLER”. One year removed from a world series ,God help you Ruben Amaro Jr. if Ibanez gets hurt or chokes playing in Philly.
Posted: 09:17 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Fran
if your in the Philly area Comcast is showing Game 2 of the NLDS right now, as i speak its myers 1st AMAZING at bat
Posted: 09:40 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Wolff
I love Pat. He is a true Phillie and I am deeply saddened he will not be back next year. He was a huge part of our World Series victory, and will always be remembered. Wherever he plays next year, I will attend a game he is playing in. Whether it be against the Phillies, or an American league team within driving distance. Pat > Ibanez.
Posted: 09:41 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 MikeB
If the National League would have the DH rule like the American League, Pat would have been the perfect option to fill that role for the Phils.
Posted: 09:42 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 clktwr
” Hit me when I’m up and hit me when I’m down ….”
No truer walk up song for a player then “Dirty Laundry” cause that is all anyone was trying to get on the man, the man called Pat the Bat Burrell I have admitted on here once I was not always a fan but when Pat Gillick went to you’re home in the offseason between 05 and 06 saw with his eyes you working in you’re personal cage, it changed my opinion, it sad a personal vendetta from a washed never was,like Amaro Jr has the longest playing Phillie run out of town it is truly a shame and to the owners of this club, my hard-earned money will not go towards buying any games this year I will instead sit in my home and listen to the games, cause I can’t stand the a$$ ki$$er Wheeler.
Posted: 09:59 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Mike
I hope Pat the Bat signs with the Mets and kills us this year so that all of philadelphia that have always thought he was horrible will final give him the respect he deserves.
p.s. the mets need LF O_O
and yes i am a phillies fan and i live in philadelphia
Posted: 10:36 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Brooks
clktwr – too bad for you, your problem. You don’t want to see the Phils put the Mets in their place for the 3rd season in a row? You dont want to see if Howard, Rollins, Utley, Victorino, Werth and now Ibanez can hit up to their potential? You don’t care to see Cole win the 20 games (+) that we all know he is very capable of doing? Too bad for you, we are along for the ride and it has been a great one. Not based on a month and a half of peak performance then 4 months of mediocraty.
The Phillies did not get to the World Championship because of Pat Burrell.
How did Amaro run Pat Burrell out of town? Pat’s long and expensive contract was up. He was looking for money and a length of contract that the Phils were not willing to agree with. Pat could have gone 2 years – do you think he is crying like you are? He just came off a $50 mil dollar contract where his performance was a tad better than mediorcre. He has a WS ring and he wants more money, more guarenteed money. He may wind up taking the Rowand way out, get your money and play for a loser team…
Get over it people. I think the Phils offense will be better because of Ibanez. If that is the case and the Phils pitching can come even close to what we had this past year – we’re in for another Parade people…
Go Phils! Good luck to Pat
Posted: 10:44 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Fran
Yeah clktwr, i think that was way to extreme. I am a huge fan of pat, love the guy and wish he could stay. But when we offered him 2 yr 22 million like we did and he declines that means hes looking for more in a new town. Ibanez will fit in just find in his spot. Like many have said it takes many pieces of the puzzle to win a World Series, Pat the Bat was only 1 of the pieces.
Posted: 10:57 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 SJ Will
I LOVE YOU PAT!
I’LL MISS YOU AND YOUR ANTICS!
Posted: 11:44 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Manny
C’mon guys … take off your WS Champions goggles and take it as it is. Pat has been one of my favorite Phillies…his struggles, his examples, his role, his bat, his energy, his swings… I will truly miss him. But we cannot go and say “I hope the Mets sign him and they beat us”… that’s just ridiculous.
Posted: 11:55 PM on December 14, 2008
Posts: 0 Mike Braun
I will miss Pat the Bat as well but let’s face it, at this stage of his career, I think it’s fair to say his best years are behind him. Plus, he’s also a defensive liability, stikes out way too ofter in a lineup already full of free swingers, and doesn’t hit for average. (Let’s also not forget about his “one” hit in the series).
I’m okay with Ibanez and just hope he can stay healthy. Let’s all move on. Good luck though Pat!
Posted: 12:08 AM on December 15, 2008
Posts: 0 Jason B
First of all, well said by the author. Second, This man endured boos without mercy for two years in Philly, where the boos tend to sting a bit more. Pat was a player that got it. He understood why he was getting booed, knew that if he improved, he would be heralded, so worked to improve. He never thought the fans were hard on him. He was always thankful for the fans, and was excited for the fans when the team did well. If a man can endure that punishment night in and night out, then that man earns my respect. Pat, you were at times frustrating to watch, but my man, you were a true Phillie. I like the signing of Ibanez, but Pat te Bat will surely be missed.
Posted: 12:37 AM on December 15, 2008
Posts: 0 J cole
I didn’t read many of the other replies, but I am sure I am saying somethings that have already been said.
First, very well written. Second, I, like most, started to dislike Pat. The way he wouldn’t acknowledge fans after doing something good and being cheered as he went back onto the field. But he began to grow on me. He wasn’t the game changer, but he was consistent enough to be considered a threat at the plate. And yes, I will miss Pat the Bat.
Posted: 03:02 AM on December 15, 2008
Posts: 0 Marisa
I will miss you, Pat. I have always thought that you were better than people gave you credit for. You were always the first one up to run out of the dugout for a walk off homerun, or a game winner. You are a true clubhouse guy and that means something. You will always have a spot in Phillie fans hearts. maybe you’ll come back as a hitting coach sometime. See ya, Pat and Elvis. Ill always be a true Burrells girl
Posted: 10:09 AM on December 15, 2008
Posts: 0 A.J. Sullivan
A sad day amongst my friends. As one of them said in regards to Pat leaving the Phils:
“We were supposed to grow old together”
Posted: 10:38 AM on December 15, 2008
Posts: 0 mikem
Pat the bat. The one thing about Pat is he really loved the area. But as a overall first pick I don’t think he lived up to his being pick #1 but that isn’t pat’s fault it’s the scouts who projected him as the best player in that draft. And thought he would come in and be a dominated player it never happen, but Pat still produce for us but not as well as we thought.
Posted: 11:55 AM on December 15, 2008
Posts: 0 Evrybuddy Hits woohoo
My son’s first Phillies game was the one Pat hit the game winner against San Fran in extra innings. he went crazy with me and made him follow the Phgils the rest of the season. Thanks for that.
Pat belongs on the Phils Wall of Fame.
Best of luck to Pat (and better luck to the Phils).
Posted: 01:07 PM on December 15, 2008
Posts: 0 Manny
Pat said that he never received a former offer to stay with the Phils…
Posted: 01:54 PM on December 15, 2008