Grading every Rockies’ first round pick in franchise history

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

1992 – John Burke RHP (27th overall) University of Florida

With the first pick in franchise history, the Rockies selected local boy John Burke. Burke was born in Durango and graduated from Cherry Creek High School, which heavily contributed to the decision to draft him. He pitched in the College World Series in 1991 with the University of Florida and was an All-American after setting many school pitching records.

Burke never met the high expectations set upon him. Faring well in the minor leagues, he finally made his Major League debut in 1996 at age 26. He appeared in just 28 career games (9 starts) with the Rockies and pitched his last game in 1997.

 Numbers with Rockies: 4-6, 6.75 ERA, 58 K, 74.2 IP

Where Are They Now? Burke retired in 1998 and went back to school to earn his bachelors degree in Anthropology in 2000. He currently resides in Littleton, Colorado.

Grade: C-. The Rockies would have liked more than 28 games out of the first draft pick in franchise history. They took a local kid with great college numbers and it just didn’t work out.