Bob Burton started as trainer, then moved to sports medicine

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Bob Burton 1990 Columbia Mets card
The young Wausau trainer turned out to be OK, but Bob Burton gave his team a scare during an early 1989 practice session, according to The Wausau Daily Herald.

Burton collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, The Daily Herald wrote.

"We gave him a few days off," Timbers' ' General Manager Jack Roeder told The Daily Herald. "It apparently was just mental and physical exhaustion. He'll be back with us on Wednesday."

Burton was starting his career as a trainer that year. He graduated the previous year from the University of Iowa with a degree in exercise science, and an emphasis in athletic training.

He went on from Wausau to serve as a trainer in the minors for several years before he moved into sports medicine and later briefly returned as a trainer in independent ball.

Burton got his first taste of training in school. He served as a trainer for the University of Iowa football team.

He then signed on with the Mariners at single-A Wausau for 1989, then with the Mets at single-A Columbia for 1990. He returned to Columbia for 1991, where he trained in the league all-star team. He spent 1992 at high-A St. Lucie.

Burton later received his Masters' in health services administration from Central Florida and became a director of sports medicine in St. Lucie.

He later settled in York, Pa., where he became Sports Medicine Coordinator for Orthopedic and Spine Specialists. He also served as trainer for the independent York Revolution.
1990 Minor League Tally
Players/Coaches Featured: 2,947
Made the Majors:1,092-37.1%
Never Made Majors:1,855-62.9%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 453
10+ Seasons in the Minors:272

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