The Pat Burrell Autographed 2001 Fleer Tradition #126 Philadelphia Phillies Card features one of the most recognizable power hitters in Philadelphia Phillies history and a key member of the franchise's 2008 World Series championship team. Known for his powerful right-handed swing, disciplined approach at the plate, and ability to deliver important extra-base hits, Burrell became a fixture in the Phillies' lineup throughout the 2000s.
A former first overall Major League Baseball Draft selection and two-time World Series champion, Burrell enjoyed a successful 12-season Major League career that included 292 home runs and 976 RBI. His contributions to Philadelphia's 2008 championship remain an important part of the franchise's history.
This autographed card comes from the 2001 Fleer Tradition baseball set, a release that combined contemporary Major League players with a design inspired by the classic baseball cards of earlier generations. Featuring Burrell in his Philadelphia Phillies uniform, the card represents him during the early stages of a career that would make him one of the organization's most productive power hitters.
Born on October 10, 1976, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Patrick Brian Burrell developed into an outstanding baseball prospect whose combination of power, athleticism, and offensive ability attracted national attention.
Burrell attended Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California, before continuing his baseball career at the University of Miami.
At Miami, he established himself as one of the nation's premier collegiate hitters.
His outstanding offensive production and ability to hit for power made him one of the most highly regarded prospects available for the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft.
The Philadelphia Phillies selected Burrell with the first overall pick in the 1998 MLB Draft, making him a central figure in the organization's plans for the future.
Burrell began his professional career in Philadelphia's minor league system, where he quickly demonstrated the offensive ability that had made him such an attractive draft prospect.
His powerful swing and disciplined approach helped him advance rapidly through the Phillies' farm system.
Burrell made his Major League debut with Philadelphia on May 24, 2000, beginning a career that would extend through the 2011 season.
His arrival generated excitement among Phillies fans who had followed his development as one of baseball's most promising young hitters.
During his 2000 rookie season, Burrell batted .260 with 18 home runs and 79 RBI, immediately establishing himself as an important offensive contributor.
His 79 RBI demonstrated his ability to drive in runs, while his 18 home runs provided an early indication of the power he would bring to Philadelphia's lineup.
Burrell's performance helped establish him as a regular member of the Phillies' outfield.
The 2001 season represented an important stage in his development as a Major League hitter.
Burrell continued adjusting to Major League pitching while developing into a dependable source of power in Philadelphia's lineup.
The Phillies featured several recognizable players during this period, including Scott Rolen, Bobby Abreu, Jimmy Rollins, Mike Lieberthal, and Doug Glanville.
Burrell's presence provided Philadelphia with another dangerous right-handed hitter as the organization attempted to return to postseason contention.
Under manager Larry Bowa, the Phillies finished the 2001 season with an 86-76 record, remaining competitive in the National League East race.
Burrell continued gaining experience and developing the offensive approach that would help him become one of Philadelphia's most productive hitters during the decade.
The 2001 Fleer Tradition #126 features Burrell during this early stage of his Major League career.
The 2001 Fleer Tradition baseball set continued Fleer's approach of combining modern Major League players with designs inspired by the history of baseball card collecting.
The Tradition brand appealed to collectors who appreciated the appearance of vintage baseball cards while following contemporary Major League stars.
The 2001 release features a nostalgic design that recalls the visual presentation of earlier baseball card sets.
Its combination of player photography, traditional styling, and recognizable team identification gives the cards a distinctive appearance compared with many of the more elaborate premium releases of the period.
Burrell's #126 card features him in his Philadelphia Phillies uniform, making it an appealing early-career collectible from one of the franchise's most recognizable players of the 2000s.
The card was issued during Burrell's first full Major League season, before he established the power-hitting accomplishments that would define his career.
The following season brought one of Burrell's finest individual performances.
During the 2002 season, he batted .282 with 37 home runs and 116 RBI, establishing himself as one of the National League's most dangerous offensive players.
His 37 home runs represented a career high, while his 116 RBI demonstrated his ability to produce runs in the middle of Philadelphia's lineup.
Burrell continued providing significant power for the Phillies throughout the following seasons.
In 2005, he hit 32 home runs with 117 RBI, establishing a career high in runs batted in.
His combination of home run power and ability to draw walks made him a valuable offensive contributor.
Burrell remained an important member of Philadelphia's lineup as the organization developed into a consistent postseason contender.
The Phillies' roster gradually evolved to include several players who would become central figures in the franchise's championship success, including Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Cole Hamels, and Carlos Ruiz.
Burrell's experience and power provided continuity as Philadelphia transitioned from a developing team into one of the National League's strongest clubs.
During the 2007 season, Burrell hit 30 home runs, helping the Phillies capture the National League East championship.
Philadelphia overcame a late-season deficit in the division standings to reach the postseason for the first time since 1993.
Although the Phillies were eliminated by the Colorado Rockies in the National League Division Series, the season marked the beginning of a successful period in franchise history.
The following year brought the greatest team accomplishment of Burrell's Philadelphia career.
The 2008 Phillies captured the National League East championship before defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.
Philadelphia advanced to the 2008 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, seeking its first championship since 1980.
Burrell remained an important part of the Phillies' lineup throughout the season, contributing 33 home runs and 86 RBI.
His power and ability to reach base helped support a lineup that featured several dangerous hitters.
One of Burrell's most memorable moments occurred during Game 5 of the 2008 World Series.
With the game tied in the seventh inning, Burrell delivered a crucial double against Tampa Bay pitcher J.P. Howell.
The hit placed the eventual winning run in scoring position.
Pinch-runner Eric Bruntlett replaced Burrell and later scored on Pedro Feliz's RBI single, giving Philadelphia a 4-3 lead.
The Phillies held on to win the game and capture the 2008 World Series championship, the franchise's second title.
Burrell's double became one of the memorable offensive moments of Philadelphia's championship-clinching victory.
His contributions to the 2008 team helped secure his place in Phillies history.
Following the championship season, Burrell joined the Tampa Bay Rays, continuing his Major League career in the American League.
He later played for the San Francisco Giants, becoming part of another championship organization.
The 2010 Giants captured the National League pennant before defeating the Texas Rangers in the World Series.
The championship gave Burrell his second World Series ring, adding another significant accomplishment to his professional career.
Burrell completed his Major League playing career in 2011, finishing with 12 seasons of experience.
Across his career, he accumulated 292 home runs, 976 RBI, and 1,393 hits.
His accomplishments included a 37-home-run season, multiple 30-home-run campaigns, and World Series championships with both Philadelphia and San Francisco.
Burrell's most enduring connection remains with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he spent the first nine seasons of his Major League career.
His powerful swing, patient approach, and contributions to the 2008 championship made him one of the recognizable figures of the franchise's successful 2000s era.
For Phillies fans, Burrell remains particularly memorable for his role in bringing a World Series championship back to Philadelphia after a 28-year wait.
For collectors, the 2001 Fleer Tradition #126 represents Burrell during the formative years of his Major League career.
The card's nostalgic Fleer Tradition design, Philadelphia Phillies uniform, and connection to a future World Series champion make it an appealing addition to Phillies autograph collections.
The Pat Burrell Autographed 2001 Fleer Tradition #126 Philadelphia Phillies Card is an excellent collectible for Philadelphia Phillies fans, 2008 World Series championship memorabilia collectors, former first overall MLB Draft pick autograph collections, University of Miami baseball memorabilia enthusiasts, Pat Burrell collectors, 2001 Fleer Tradition baseball card collectors, and hobbyists assembling complete autographed 2001 Fleer Tradition baseball card sets.
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