Crew Throwback: Jeromy Burnitz

Jeromy Burnitz was born in 1969 in Westminster, California. He was a 1st round selection (17th overall) by the NY Mets in 1990 out of Oklahoma State University. He quickly displayed his calling card - power - hitting 31 HR (and drawing over 100 walks) the following season at AA. After bouncing back and forth between the minors and majors, the Mets - tired of his streaky play, plus his clashes with manager Dallas Green - dealt Burnitz to Cleveland in 1994. He spent some more time in the minors before finally staying put in the big leagues in 1996. Despite playing well for Cleveland, they dealt the then 27-year old to Milwaukee for veteran Kevin Seitzer.

The trade would be a boon for Burnitz, who emerged as a legitimate slugger in 1997, crushing 27 home runs in his first full season in Milwaukee. He followed with home run totals of 38, 33, 31 and 34 - before being dealt back to the Mets after the 2001 season. (He hit 30+ HR for two more seasons - giving him an impressive run of 30+ HR for six years). The trade to New York cleared Burnitz's large salary, and brought in a young starting pitcher, Glendon Rusch (who floundered in his time in Milwaukee).

While in Milwaukee, Burnitz averaged 32+ HR and 100+ RBI a season. He never had less than 70 walks, and he hit a respectable .258 - which led to a .362 OBP. His big power made him a fan favorite in Milwaukee. Sadly, the Brewers never had a winning team during Burnitz's time with the club.

Jeromy bounced around the rest of his career, playing four more seasons for the Mets, Dodgers, Rockies, Cubs and Pirates. He retired after the 2006 season at age 37.

All told, Burnitz hit a 315 HRs (totals made more impressive because he didn't became a regular until age 28) and had a SLG% of .481. For Milwaukee, he hit 165 HRs and had an .870 OPS during his 5+ seasons. He averaged 3.0+ bWAR a year during his Brewer tenure.

Burnitz had the honor of starting the 1999 all-star - in place of an injured Tony Gwynn - the first Brewer to start an all-star game since Paul Molitor.

Despite his reputation as a bit of a hot head, Burnitz was also known to be laid back and well-liked in the clubhouse. He loved to pull pranks, and Peter Abraham of the "Boston Globe" reported this:

"Burnitz would have fit in with the cast of 'Jackass.' As a practical joke, he would empty out bottles of shampoo in the showers on road trips after the last game of the series and pee in them."

After retiring, Burnitz settled down with his wife and three children in California. He has elected to remain out of the public eye ever since.

Jeromy Burnitz will hold a special place in the hearts and minds of Brewer fans (like many other sluggers). A powerful looking man, Burnitz looked more like a linebacker than a baseball player. During the dark days of the franchise in the late 90s and early 2000s, he provided excitement and thrills when they were few and far between.

He is a member of the Brewer Wall of Honor.

Please share your memories of Jeromy Burnitz.