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Article: Burks ... `why not keep playing?'.
- Article from:
- Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, OH)
- Article date:
- February 23, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Akron Beacon Journal. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Sheldon Ocker
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. _ Ellis Burks is 38 years old with bad knees and a surgically repaired left shoulder.
Maybe his body is trying to tell him something. Then again, Burks' body is not in charge. Over the years, he has fought off one injury after another to remain a productive major-league player.
Burks' concession to age and infirmity has been to abandon the outfield for permanent designated-hitter duty. In five weeks, Burks will begin his 17th season in the big leagues, his last for the Indians.
This is the final year of a contract that pays him $6.8 million. In 2002, Burks hinted that when this contract expired, ...