Rick Burleson

Richard Paul Burleson (born April 29, 1951), nicknamed "Rooster", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball. In a 13-year career, Burleson played for the Boston Red Sox (1974-80), California Angels (1981-84, 1986) and Baltimore Orioles (1987). He batted and threw right-handed. Rick Burleson was a scrappy Red Sox shortstop of the 1970s. Rick "Rooster" Burleson was a Red Sox first round draft pick in 1970. He made his major league debut with t... more

Richard Paul Burleson (born April 29, 1951), nicknamed "Rooster", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball. In a 13-year career, Burleson played for the Boston Red Sox (1974-80), California Angels (1981-84, 1986) and Baltimore Orioles (1987). He batted and threw right-handed. Rick Burleson was a scrappy Red Sox shortstop of the 1970s. Rick "Rooster" Burleson was a Red Sox first round draft pick in 1970. He made his major league debut with the Red Sox on May 4, 1974. Eventually he would end up being considered one of the best defensive shortshops in the history of the Boston Red Sox, playing in 1031 games (24th best), scoring 514 runs and amassing 1114 hits (19th best). He was the starting shortstop during the 1975 season. Burleson hit over .290 in both 1976 and 1977, and was 2nd to Jim Rice among team hit leaders in 1977 with 194 base hits. In 1979 Burleson won a Gold Glove. From 1975 to 1980 Rooster played in at least 145 games and got at least 140 hits each season. Burleson... less