Top 60 All-Time Greatest Blue Jays: #55 A.J. Burnett
Share this story
Allan James Burnett | RHP | 2006 - 2008
A.J. Burnett was born January 3, 1977 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The Mets drafted him in the 8th round of the 1996 draft, one of 3 from that round who made the majors. The Jays had the pick right before the Mets and picked Dave Marciniak, a shortstop.
In February of 1998, he was traded with Robert Stratton and Jesus Sanchez to the Marlins for Al Leiter and Ralph Millard. A.J. was called up in late August of 1999 and made 7 starts. In 2000 he came up about mid-season and made 13 starts. He had his first full season in the majors in 2001 and pitched a no-hitter for the Marlins (giving up 8 walks in the game), on May 12. He had Tommy John surgery in 2003, came back in 2004 but missed several games with an elbow injury. Burnett made 32 starts, in 2005, the first time in his career that he made over 30. It was great timing as he was a free agent after the season. A.J. is