Oakland A’s Minor League center fielder Billy Burns is currently off to a hot start in 2015 with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds.
The 25 year old was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 32nd Round of the 2011 MLB Draft while playing college ball at Mercer University. He had a successful journey through the Nats’ system and was even named the 2013 Nationals’ Minor League Player of the Year shortly before being traded to the Oakland A’s for pitcher Jerry Blevins in December 2013.
Burns had a stolen base success rate of 88% in 2014 and is considered one of the best base runners in the minors. Although Burns is smaller than other outfielders, his speed and overall athleticism have helped gain him the attention by scouts and coaching staffs.
After an impressive 2014 Spring Training where he maintained a .306 batting average, he was called up to the A’s and made his Major League debut on July 28, 2014. He played in just 13 games with the club and although he had just six at-bats, he stole three bases and showed his speed was just as necessary and possible in the big leagues.
The switch-hitting Burns is currently batting .362 in 14 games in 2015. He already has five stolen bases along with a double and a triple.
With this stellar performance so far, it won’t be long before the A’s come calling for Burns again.
Bethany Cohen
Bethany is a Graduate of the University of South Florida and currently resides in Tampa. She is a die-hard Yankees' fan and has been a freelance writer for six years. She has covered the Yankees' Minor League System since 2010 and also does freelance work for Examiner.com and CBS Local Tampa Bay. Follow her on Twitter @TampaBethany
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