Where Are They Now: Billy Burns

MACON, Ga. – We all know about the great accomplishments that Mercer student-athletes have achieved during their time as a Bear, but what are they up to after they graduate? Today, we take a look inside the life of former Mercer baseball player Billy Burns.

Burns starred for the Bears from 2009-11 and helped them win the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament title and earn an NCAA Tournament berth in 2010 for the first time in program history. He posted a career on-base percentage of .449, the best in team history, and recorded 59 steals – including a single-season program record of 30 in 2010 – over a two-year stretch (2010-11). Burns also owns Mercer's single-season runs record of 73, also set in 2010.

During his time as a Bear, Burns accumulated academic and athletic awards. Following his junior season, he was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Third Team. The year prior, Burns was honored as a CoSIDA ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District Second Team member. Following the 2010 and 2011 Atlantic Sun Tournaments, Burns earned All-Tournament team honors.

Following his junior season at Mercer, Burns was drafted in the 32^nd round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft by the Washington Nationals. He made his MLB debut on July 28, 2014 for the Oakland Athletics. He made his first appearance in a pinch-hitting role in the ninth inning. He became the first Bear since Cory Gearrin to make a major league appearance.

Why did you choose Mercer?
I chose Mercer because I wanted to play baseball at a program that was very competitive with the hopes that I could play professionally afterwards. Also, I loved the fact that I would receive a great education along with advancing my skills as a baseball player.

What is your fondest athletic memory at Mercer?
Off the field: My fondest memory comes from our annual Iron Bear competitions at Mercer. Nothing beats waking up at 5 am with your teammates and meeting for an obstacle course, an Escalade pull, or mini biathlon before the sun comes up.
On the field: My favorite memory was winning the conference championship with my teammates. I stayed friends with most of the players on that team, and I will cherish those memories forever.

Who had the biggest influence on you during your athletic career at Mercer and how?
Tim Boeth was the hitting coach when I began my baseball career at Mercer. He taught me crucial elements of the game that I had no experience in. Plate discipline, base stealing techniques, aspects of the mental side of baseball and confidence in my abilities to name a few. Also, he truly cared about the future of my career. For that, I will always be appreciative. Next, was Justin Holmes. He was the hitting coach my last season and helped me through a very tough slump. He also genuinely cared for the advancement of my career.

What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Mercer?
I learned about the value of the relationships that I gained through baseball. I believe that maintaining the friendships I have today has shaped the way I view any job or work I am doing today.

What advice would you give to current members of the team you played for?
I would just say take a little more time to enjoy where you are. Call a teammate or a friend to meet you for lunch. Get to know them a little better. These friendships will last a lifetime.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Cummings because of his jokes.

Where do you live now?
I live in Marietta, Ga.

What is your occupation?
I am rehabbing an injury currently from this past season playing professional baseball. While I take a year off from baseball, I have become a realtor at Realty One Group. I plan to return to baseball next year if my body is healed.

What have you done since graduating? (Life, Career, etc.)
I have played baseball since I signed after my junior year at Mercer. This summer marks the first time I have not suited up in a baseball uniform since I was about 3 years old! I have a lovely wife and three little babies.

Where do you see yourself in the future with your career?
I see myself advancing in the real estate industry with investing, and helping others with their real estate ventures.

What are your goals and aspirations for the coming years?
I hope to further my relationship with God and be able to lead others in the same direction.

Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Baseball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerBaseball (Twitter), /MercerBaseball (Facebook) and @Mercer.Baseball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.

Mercer University Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors

Footer