Joe Burke

Inducted 1992
GM / President 1973-1992

An executive both respected and revered by players and management throughout baseball. Under Burke's guidance, the Royals enjoyed unprecedented success both on and off the field. Kansas City won six division crowns, captured two American League pennants and a World Series championship during his tenure. The ballclub also set attendance records, which included 11 seasons that surpassed the 2 million mark. Burke was named Major League Baseball's Executive of the Year in 1976 and honored with Kansas City's "Mr. Baseball" Award in 1978.

POSITION: General Manager/President

NOTES: Burke worked for the Kansas City Royals for nearly two decades, first as GM from 1974 to 1981, and later as President from 1981 to 1992.

Burke was assistant GM of the Washington Senators from 1961 to 1963. He was the first General Manager of the Texas Rangers after they moved from Washington, DC in 1972-1973.

Joe Burke, who worked for Kansas City until he died, was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 1992 - the year cancer took his life.

-- KC Royals

Under Burke, the Royals clinched their first division title in 1976.

-- KC Royals

Burke served as general manager from 1974 until 1981, and during that time, the Royals made five playoff appearances, including a trip to the 1980 World Series.

-- KC Royals

After his role of general manager, Burke served as the club's president, when he got to witness the Royals winning the 1985 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

-- KC Royals