Pat Burrell To Retire With Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies announced Thursday that Pat Burrell will sign a one-day contract to retire with the team during the Boston Red Sox series at Citizen Park in May.

Burrell, 35, will throw out the first pitch prior to the Saturday, May 19 game and will be part of the pregame ceremonies that day.

The outfielder ranks fourth in Phillies history in home runs (251), fifth in walks (785), eight in RBIs (827) and ninth in extra-base hits (518), but was forced out of baseball by a chronic foot injury after playing the 2011 season with the San Francisco Giants.

Burrell said he is thankful for the opportunity to retire as a Phillie, but wasn't initially sure he wanted a big ceremony.

"'Hesitant' isn't the right word -- I just don't like to make a big deal about things," Burell explained. "But the more I thought about it, it's the right thing to do. I was with that organization for so long. I have such good memories. You realize it's an honor and I'm very appreciative of the fact they wanted to do this for me. I'm looking forward to it. I really am."

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