Bobby Burke

Robert James Burke
(Lefty)

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 6' 0", Weight 150 lb.

• Debut April 16, 1927
• Final Game May 4, 1937
• Born January 23, 1907 in Joliet, IL USA
• Died February 8, 1971 in Joliet, IL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

On August 8, 1931, left-hander Bobby Burke became the only man to toss a no-hitter in D.C. as a member of the original Washington Senators, allowing just five walks while striking out eight in a 5-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Griffith Stadium.

Burke was originally acquired by the Senators from the Little Rock Travelers of the Southern Association on October 26, 1926 in the 1926 Rule V Draft, having gone 11-8 that season. He made his debut with an inning and a third against the Philadelphia Athletics on April 16, 1927, pitching 36 games (with just 6 starts) in 100 innings that first year. More of a swingman than a firm starting rotation option, he peaked with 17 starts in a 6-8, 4.79 campaign in 1929, while recording his most action across 168 innings in 37 games (15 starts) for the 1934 squad, with an 8-8, 3.21 mark to tie his single season best in victories. Following nine seasons in D.C., he finished his career with two games out of the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen in 1937. Overall, he was 38-46 with a 4.28 ERA, 5 saves and 4 shutouts in 254 games and 918 2/3 innings.

Related Sites

• Bobby Burke at the SABR Bio Project