By Paul Gierhart

During his first full minor league season, Sean Burnett of the Single-A Hickory Crawdads, made great strides towards a much higher level in the Pirates' system.  Burnett, the Pirates' minor league pitcher of the year,
was named to the South Atlantic League All-Star team and finished the year with a record 11-8 and a 2.62 ERA over 26 starts.

 

With a bright future, Burnett is described by the Pirates as poised, a competitive lefthander that has a good feel for pitching.   Scouts describe Burnett as polished at a young age with potential to get better, very competitive, with a good mind set on the mound and shows the production
that people saw in him as an amateur.

 

The following is an interview with Burnett, giving his fans and minor league baseball followers alike, some insight to what this 19-year-old pitcher is all about.

 

TPA:  What are your earliest childhood memories of baseball and who was your favorite player?

 

BURNETT:  My earliest childhood memories of baseball were playing in my backyard when I was 2-year-old with my parents.  My favorite player growing up was Darryl Strawberry.he had so much natural ability.

 

TPA:  What is your best baseball memory from your high school days?

 

BURNETT:  My best memory of high school baseball was the match up of the year between Wellington and Atlantic.  We were number one in the state they were two and I threw a perfect game in front of 60 or so scouts.

 

TPA:  What emotions did you experience before, during and after the June 2000 draft?

 

BURNETT:  Before the draft in June of 2000, I was very anxious and excited.  Finally when the day came we had a huge party at the house with friends and family.  We sat around waiting for my name to be called.  It only took a few minutes but it seemed like hours.  After the draft I felt
relieved and was ready to take a shot at pro ball.

 

TPA:  After choosing Bobby Bradley in the first round of the 1999 draft, how did you feel when the Pirates came back to Wellington High in 2000 and select you in the first round?

 

BURNETT:  I was shocked.  Bobby and I always joked about it but never really imagined it would be reality one day.

 

TPA:  What have you found to be the biggest difference in your game since turning pro?

 

BURNETT:  Since turning pro my mental side of the game, I feel, has been the biggest difference.

 

TPA:  What was the most important thing you learned during your first professional baseball experience at Bradenton (R)?

 

BURNETT:  I learned that you have to believe in yourself.  I was by far the youngest player out there and had to show I belonged.  I also learned you must control the inside part of the plate.

 

TPA:  In one sentence, how would you describe your 2001 season in Hickory (A)?

 

BURNETT:  A great success and started my career in the right step.

 

TPA:  What is your off-season routine like and what role does your family play in your baseball career?

 

BURNETT:  Well my off-season routine usually starts around 11:00 a.m. when I wake up.  Then I eat breakfast and head to the golf course.  After golf I grab a bite to eat and head to the gym to go work out.  After my workout I
usually head to the high school to do my throwing and running.  The rest of my day is spent relaxing and hanging with friends.  My parents play a huge role in my career and if it weren't for them I would not be the person I am today.

 

TPA:  Where do you see yourself at heading into spring training 2002 and what is your attitude towards autograph request in person or via mail?

 

BURNETT:  I feel strength wise, I'm stronger then ever and just want to have a good spring and fight for a Double-A spot or at least be there by the all-star break.  I have no problem toward autograph requests.

 

TPA:  Outside baseball, what one thing about yourself would you like your fans to know about you?