Pat the Bat Hangs ‘Em Up

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

One of the most beloved Phillies in recent memory, Pat Burrell, calls it a career today. The Phillies drafted “Pat the Bat” #1 overall in the 1998 MLB Draft. Pat played 12 seasons in the MLB and holds claim to two World Series rings, one with the Phils in ’08 and one with the Giants in ’10.

In 9 seasons with the Phillies, he amassed 251 homeruns which is good for 4th all-time in team history. He coupled his staggering number of long balls with over 1,100 hits and over 800 RBIs for the Phillies. Burrell, however, was loved in Philadelphia just as much for his off-field reputation as for his on-field statistics. He collected over $70 million in his long MLB career, and he wasn’t shy about spending a portion of his earnings partying and wining-and-dining a long list of suitors. He was a staple of Philadelphia nightlife just as he was a staple in the batting order.

I would love to see the Phillies sign Pat to a minor league deal before he hangs ‘em up for good. He will always be a Phillie in the eyes of Philadelphia sports fans and I would find it hard to believe if he didn’t feel the same way. He deserves to retire as a Fightin’ Phil, just the way he started his career 13 years ago. I speak for all of Philadelphia when I wish Pat the best of luck in retirement. I hope he’s not shy about visiting the City of Brotherly Love, the city he called home for 9 years of his great Major League career.

Tags: Pat Burrell, Pat the Bat, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants