NASHVILLE, TN – April 13, 2024 – Tennessee Baseball great and former MLB star Chris Burke has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Burke was told of the news Saturday evening live on SEC Network as he worked as a color commentator for the SEC Network’s coverage of Tennessee vs LSU. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community. On behalf of sponsor Tennessee Lottery, the Hall offers free admission at their downtown Nashville location Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Chris Burke was a phenomenal baseball player at the University of Tennessee, a Major League Baseball standout and continues to lend his baseball expertise to viewers across the country,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “We’re excited to name Chris to our 2024 Class of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Burke’s time at the University of Tennessee led him to become one of the most decorated baseball players in Tennessee history. Burke started at second base in 1999 and 2000, earning All-American and All-SEC honors. In 2001, Burke moved to shortstop and helped lead the Volunteers to the College World Series. Also in 2001, he batted .435 with 20 home runs and 49 stolen bases. Burke was named to the College World Series All-Tournament team, 1st Team All-American shortstop and the 2001 SEC Player of the Year.
Burke was the Houston Astros’ first overall pick in the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft as the 10th overall selection. Burke made his MLB debut on July 4, 2004. Burke played a total of 6 major league seasons with Houston, Arizona, and San Diego. Burke is well known for hitting the series-winning walk off home run that ended Game 4 of the 2005 National League Division Series. The game lasted 18 innings and took nearly six hours to play. It stands as the second longest playoff game in Major League postseason history.
In 2012, Burke became an analyst and studio host for ESPN and SEC Network, covering college baseball, Major League Baseball, the College World Series, and the Little League World Series.
Burke joins Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson, Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Scott Hamilton, Millington business owner and philanthropist, the late W.S. “Babe” Howard, ETSU Golf Coaching legend Fred Warren, Nashville-area tennis pro Thay Butchee, the late Charlie Bayless, longtime basketball coach at Happy Valley High School, Tennessee tennis star Paul Annacone, TSU Track legend Jean Patton Latimer, Memphis champion racquetball player and coach Larry Liles, and Austin Peay basketball coaching legend Dave Loos as the only announced members of the 2024 Class. The final member of the 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 20nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Tickets are available now at http://TSHF2024.givesmart.com.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $16.5 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $1.5 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
