Remembering the Rangers' First MVP

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The first Ranger to win the MVP Award may be one of the most obscure MVPs in MLB history. His award came early in Rangers history, when they were new to the league and not considered a top team. However, by winning the MVP and leading the Rangers to an alarming turnaround season in 1974, Jeff Burroughs was one of the key men who helped put the franchise on the map. 

Burroughs made his MLB debut with the Washington Senators in 1969. He moved to Texas with the club in 1972 and established himself in 1973, when he clubbed 30 homers for a team that lost 105 games. In 1974, Burroughs captured the league MVP Award with a .301 average, 25 homers, and a league-leading 118 RBI's, helping the Rangers improve to 84-76 and climb to second place in the division. 

Over his career, Burroughs spent sixteen seasons in the Major Leagues, including seven with the Rangers. His career high in homers was 41, achieved in 1977 as a member of the Atlanta Braves, and he led MLB in walks (117) and OBP (.432) the following year. He retired following the 1985 season with a .261 batting average, 240 homers, and 882 RBI's. His son, Sean, played in the Majors from 2002 through 2012. 

Although he is seldom remembered today, Jeff Burroughs remains an important part of Rangers history. While he may not boast the career totals of future Ranger MVPs such as Juan Gonzalez and Pudge Rodriguez, Burroughs was nonetheless a fine player and will forever be the franchise's first MVP. 

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