Burdette's MLB journey began when he signed with the New York Yankees in 1947. However, his tenure with the Yankees was short-lived, as he was traded to the Boston Braves in 1951. This trade proved to be a turning point in his career. The Braves relocated to Milwaukee in 1953, and it was with this team that Burdette's career flourished.
One of the defining moments of Burdette's career came during the 1957 World Series. He was instrumental in leading the Milwaukee Braves to victory over the New York Yankees, earning the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Burdette achieved an extraordinary feat in this series by winning three complete games, including a shutout in Game 7, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
Throughout his career, Burdette was known for his durability and control. He was a workhorse for the Braves, consistently ranking among the league leaders in innings pitched and complete games. His pitching style wasn't about overpowering hitters but rather outsmarting them, using a wide array of pitches to keep opponents off balance.
Burdette's success wasn't limited to the 1957 World Series. He also played a key role in the Braves' National League pennant-winning seasons of 1957 and 1958, and their close contention in 1959, which ended in a tiebreaker series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over his career, Burdette was selected to two All-Star games, showcasing his talents on a national stage.
After his memorable stint with the Braves, Burdette's career saw him move to several other teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and California Angels, before retiring in 1967. His career statistics reflect his effectiveness and durability as a pitcher: he amassed 203 wins, 1,444 strikeouts, and a 3.66 ERA over 3,067.1 innings pitched in 626 games.
Burdette's post-playing career saw him stay connected to baseball, including stints as a pitching coach and minor league manager. His contributions to the game were recognized when he was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame.
Lew Burdette passed away on February 6, 2007, but his legacy lives on, particularly in Milwaukee, where he is remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in Braves history. His career is a testament to the impact that a skilled, intelligent pitcher can have on the game of baseball.
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