JOHN BURKETT THROWS FIRST NO-HITTER IN KENTUCKY HISTORY
For Immediate Release
June 7th, 2002
John Burkett no hit the Tempe Tempers on June 7th. Pitching on the road, Burkett faced only 28 Tempers, with a walk to Brian Jordan breaking up the perfect game bid. Burkett lowered his era to 3.12 by gaining his seventh win on the season. Kentucky, known for its hitting, had not pitched a no hitter in its three years in the MWBL although former Head Hunter Tim Hudson no hit the Road Runners earlier this season. John Burkett joined the Head Hunters on February 2, 2000, in a pre-draft deal with the then Connecticut franchisee. The price for Burkett was a mid-round pick eventually used on Brian Cole who was later killed in a car accident. Ironically, Burkett was shopped during the off season, but a trade couldn’t be made. Former staff ace John Lieber was traded in part for Barry Bonds in the off season, putting more weight on Burkett to lead the pitching staff. When asked about his feat, Burkett responded “All anyone wants to talk about is our offense. Bonds, Giambi, Giles, yada yada yada. Finally, a headline story for a pitcher! Tempe is a great franchise, and to no hit them at their home field is a great feeling.” Head Hunter general manager Brian Scantland after the game, “I am very unhappy with Ray Lankford. He goes 0-5 with 4 strikeouts. I traded a solid young player in Torii Hunter for Ray, and he isn’t producing. Burkett pitched ok, but I am very unhappy with Ray.” When asked to comment further on the no hitter, Scantland added, “Tempe’s field is like the Grand Canyon. We are only 57 games into the season, and I have a hole in my lineup. Ray Lankford sucks. Burkett pitched well, but Lankford sucks.”