It’s been a long time since John Burkett has seen action in the Majors. Now, 50 years old and nearly 12 years removed from his last big league start…the former pitcher is moving on to a new career.
Professional bowling.
Life on the lanes is nothing new for Burkett, who has bowled in a handful of PBA events over the years, but just recently, the two-time All-Star announced that he would be competing in a majority of the PBA50 Tour events. The PBA50 Tour is, basically, bowling’s “senior tour”.
“I’ve been practicing and working out,” Burkett said. “I’m so excited and blessed to be able to do it. “I want to bowl and get to know the guys that I’ve admired for so many years. I’m just looking forward to the whole experience.”
During his 15 years in the Majors, Burkett faced off against many of baseball’s greatest players of the last 30 years and had many great moments. While with the Texas Rangers in 1996, his win in the ALDS was the team’s first ever postseason victory. But who is the one bowler he’d like to square off against?
“It’d be fun to bowl Pete [Weber] in a big match – like a meaningful match,” Burkett responded. “I’d love to bowl him in a match where he has a ‘Who do you think you are?’ moment. He’s a competitor, and I love that about him. That’s why he’s one of my favorite bowlers. I’d love to be up against him and challenge him to the point where he gets fired up like that.”
Game on…and good luck.
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