Sean Burroughs

Sean Patrick Burroughs (September 12, 1980 – May 9, 2024) was an American professional baseball third baseman, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2002 to 2005 and 2011 to 2012 for the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Minnesota Twins. He won a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Early life and amateur career Burroughs, the son of outfielder Jeff Burroughs, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 12, 1980, when Jeff was a member of the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He starred in the Little League World Series as a pitcher when he was growing up in Long Beach, California. His team won the 1992 Little League World Series after their opponent in the championship round was disqualified for using over-aged players. He pitched consecutive no-hitters during the 1993 Little League World Series, which his team won. He attended Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach and committed to attend the University of Southern California (USC) to play college baseball for the USC Trojans.

Career

San Diego Padres The San Diego Padres selected Burroughs in the first round, with the ninth overall selection, of the 1998 MLB draft. He signed with the Padres rather than attend USC. In 2000, Burroughs appeared in the All-Star Futures Game, and was named the game's most valuable player. He also played baseball at the 2000 Summer Olympics, winning the gold medal. He split the season between the Padres and Portland, batting .271 with one home run and 11 runs batted in in 63 games played for the Padres and .302 for the Beavers.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays After the 2005 season, the Padres traded Burroughs to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in exchange for Dewon Brazelton. He batted .190 in eight games for the Devil Rays before he was optioned to the Durham Bulls, Tampa Bay's Triple-A affiliate. The Rays released Burroughs on June 22.

Seattle Mariners On December 24, 2006, Burroughs signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.

Arizona Diamondbacks On November 22, 2010, Burroughs signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He had his contract purchased by Arizona on May 18, 2011, after four seasons out of the major leagues. He was placed on waivers on June 19, after hitting .261 for Arizona and outrighted to the minor leagues. After third baseman Melvin Mora was released, he was returned to Arizona's starting lineup on July 1, 2011. Burroughs played in 20 games for the Diamondbacks as they won the National League West division title. He batted 1-for-3 during the 2011 MLB postseason as a pinch hitter and became a free agent after the season.

Minnesota Twins During the 2011–12 offseason, Burroughs played in the Venezuelan Winter League, batting .316. Gene Glynn, the manager of the Minnesota Twins' Triple-A affiliate, coached Burroughs there and recommended him to the Twins, who signed him to a minor league contract. In October 2012, he elected minor league free agency.

Los Angeles Dodgers On April 12, 2013, Burroughs signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He was assigned to the Chattanooga Lookouts, their Double-A affiliate, to begin the season. Burroughs played in 57 games for the Lookouts and hit .220.

Atlantic League Burroughs signed with the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball for 2014 season. He re-signed with the Bluefish for the 2015 season. On August 8, 2015, he was traded to the rival Long Island Ducks for outfielder Bryan Sabatella. On August 1, 2016, the Bluefish reacquired Burroughs from the Ducks in exchange for pitcher D. J. Mitchell.

Death Burroughs collapsed and died of a fentanyl overdose at age 43 in a parking lot on May 9, 2024, after dropping off his son for a Little League game in Long Beach.