Mike Burns

Note: This page is for 2000s pitcher Mike Burns; for others with the same name, click here.

Michael John Burns

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 205 lb.
• School California State University, Los Angeles
• High School Diamond Bar High School
• Debut May 13, 2005
• Final Game September 22, 2009
• Born July 14, 1978 in Westminster, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Mike Burns was selected by the Houston Astros in the 30th round of the 2000 draft, signed by scout Doug Deutsch and debuted that summer with the Martinsville Astros. He was a Midwest League All-Star in 2002 with the Michigan Battle Cats, with whom he was 14-9 with a 2.49 ERA in 28 starts, and a Texas League All-Star in 2004 with the Round Rock Express, with whom he went 11-3 with a 1.67 ERA and 9 saves.

Burns made his major league debut with the Astros in 2005 and was selected off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds after the season. The next year, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Tim Bausher. Following the 2007 season, he became a free agent and was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, only to be let go at the end of spring training and sign with the Chicago Cubs. He did not pitch at all in the majors that year, but came back in 2009 when the Milwaukee Brewers offered him a contract. He made 15 appearances, including the only 8 starts of his big league career, and was 3-5, 5.75 while pitching a career-high 51 2/3 innings. In 60 big league games, he was 3-5 with a 5.82 ERA.

Burns spent two years as Rehab Coordinator for the Houston Astros, then became a coach with the Lancaster JetHawks in 2016 and Orem Owlz in 2017. He volunteered at Don Lugo High School, then became pitching coach at University of California, Riverside in 2021.

Away from the diamond, he has a criminal justice degree and is a substitute teacher in the offseason.