4-for-4: Burns Becomes Fourth of Baseball's Drafted Players to Sign from 2011

MACON, Ga. – Mercer University’s baseball team recently had the fourth of four players selected in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft off of its roster – junior outfielder Billy Burns – opt to forego his senior season and sign a professional contract with the Washington Nationals. Burns was picked in the 32^nd round by the Nationals and was inked on July 22.

“While we are obviously sorry not to have Billy back next season, we are so happy for him to have the opportunity to pursue a professional baseball career,” MU Head Coach Craig Gibson said. “He is a great player in all three of the main areas of the game: hitting, running the bases and on defense.

“And, as good as Billy is as a ball player, he is an even better human being. We will miss his leadership skills every bit as much as his on-field talents. He is a complete package and the Nationals are getting a good player and quality individual.”

Burns was a second team Capital One Academic All-American selection in 2011 and was also a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference’s All-Academic Team, as well. Burns earned the A-Sun’s final “Player of the Week” award of 2011 and was also a second team all-conference choice by the league’s coaches.

Burns, who was tearing up the storied Cape Cod League when he was signed by the Nats, was sent to Washington’s entry in the Class-A short season New York-Penn League, the Auburn Doubledays. The Doubledays are currently tied for first place in the NY-PL’s Pickney Division with a 26-19 record.

The Marietta, Ga., native has certainly made the most out of his first two weeks as a pro. Burns hit safely in his first four contests and has collected hits in six of his first eight games, overall.  He is batting .400, with 10 hits in 25 at-bats and seven runs scored. He has one homerun and has five runs batted in to his credit, as well.

Much like he did during his three-year Mercer career, Burns has also been effective on the bases. He has a .531 on-base average, drawing four walks, and is a perfect four-for-four in steal attempts.

In all, five players off of Gibson’s Bears team signed pro contracts after the season. Drafted with Burns were junior thirdbasman Jacob Tanis (Oakland A’s), senior pitcher Justice French (Cincinnati Reds) and senior designated hitter Joe Winker (Los Angeles Dodgers).  Senior relief pitcher J.T. Odom signed with the Evansville Otters of the independent Frontier League.