Tampa Bay Rays' Pat Burrell looking forward to returning to Philadelphia

PORT CHARLOTTE — DH Pat Burrell said he doesn't know quite what to expect when he returns today to Philadelphia, where he spent the first 10 years of his career in the Phillies organization and won the World Series last season.

But Burrell knows one thing: He can't wait to find out.

"I can't lie to you and say I'm not looking forward to it, because I am," said Burrell, who signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Rays as a free agent in the offseason. "I think it's going to be an exciting kind of thing.

"It'll be nice to play in the stadium, with all the memories and all that good stuff. It's going to be different, I'm sure."

Burrell's final at-bat at Citizens Bank Park was a double that eventually led to the winning run in Game 5 of the World Series against the Rays. He then led the Phillies' championship parade downtown.

Burrell, 32, received a warm reception from Phillies fans when the Rays played them in spring training, from many giving a standing ovation in his first at-bat to autograph seekers flocking the visitor's dugout to chat with him; they are memories he said he'll never forget.

In March, he took out ads in Philadelphia's two main newspapers, thanking fans for their support in his career.

Burrell isn't sure if he will get the same treatment today.

"I'm just looking forward to the experience," he said. "I just don't know how it's going to turn out."

(tampabay.com)