Tributes flow after shock death of Australian baseball legend Adam Burton, aged 53

The tributes are flowing for Australian Olympian and former baseball superstar, Adam Burton, who has died unexpectedly at the age of 53.

Burton, who represented Australia in the 2000 Olympics and played professionally in the US with the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves, died on Monday.

But outside of his international and national status, ‘Hollywood’ (aka ‘Burto’) touched the hearts of many in Australia after playing and coaching at several local baseball clubs, including Waverley, Blackburn, Melbourne, Preston, and Watsonia.

Waverley Baseball Club (in Melbourne’s south-east) issued a statement on Tuesday, saying they were shattered by the death of “one of the finest players” to represent them and Australia.

“Adam carried the moniker ‘Hollywood’ during an 11-year Australian Baseball League career that few matched,” the club said.

“It suited him perfectly. He was brash, cocky, entertaining with a ‘can’t take your eyes off him’ talent. He was dynamic, explosive and had an intrinsic love of the spotlight.

“He had style. He had charisma. He would light up a room, hold court with a catalogue of stories, some with a liberal dollop of mayonnaise, but that is how he rolled.

“‘Hollywood’ had the three Ps - pazazz, personality and performance. Many could talk the talk, but ‘Hollywood’ walked the walk.”

The club said he was always destined for baseball’s biggest stage from the time he called their club at Napier Park home when he was a junior in the mid 1980s.

“Such was his god given talents: lighting speed, bat speed and power to match and a polished glove that Baltimore Orioles signed him to a professional contract as a teenager,” the club said.

“While things went awry with Baltimore, he showed enough for Atlanta Braves to also sign him. When thing’s didn’t pan out in the States, he returned and made an immediate impact with the Waverley Reds and a driving force in the team’s 1995 ABL Championship success.”

Burton caused a stir when he decided to move north the next year, and starred for the Brisbane Bandits.

But after several seasons there, he returned home and produced one of the best ever seasons in the Australian Baseball League’s 30-plus year history.

He hit .388 and led the team in homers (21), doubles (15), hits (64) and stole 18 bases . He was said to be pivotal in the Melbourne Reds last-to-champions season.

“Adam Burton was a guy who could put the team on his shoulders without feeling the burden,” Waverley said.

“It is evident when you consider he owned a .312 lifetime average during a 332 game ABL career that saw him win multiple All Star honours.”

Unfortunately, Burton was below his best during the Sydney Olympics due to an ankle injury.

But it did not affect his legacy or standing in the game.

Baseball Victoria said Burton was “a beloved member of the Victorian baseball community”.

“Adam was a talented baseballer, representing Australia in the 2000 Olympic Games, the Baseball World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, and the World Youth Series.

“Adam, who impressed as a Waverley junior, made the Reds inaugural roster in the 1990 Australian Baseball League as a 17-year-old, and was soon signed a professional contract with the Baltimore Orioles. He also spent time in the Atlanta Braves system before returning home for an 11-year ABL career with Waverley, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

“He continued playing and coaching in local summer and winter baseball, including leading Preston Pirates to a VSBL Division 2 Premiership as club coach in the 2017-18 season. He was also part of Watsonia’s A Grade Grand Final in 2024.

“Adam will always be remembered for his unwavering love of the game and infectious personality. He will be truly missed, and we send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow club members during this difficult time.”

Watsonia Baseball Club said: “Burto clearly impacted all he met, as shown by the outpouring of shock and loss we are all feeling.”

And Blackburn Baseball club said Burton was a “genius” and an inspiration.

“Behind the cheeky smile, was a baseball genius and gifted teacher of the game,” the club said.

“To a budding group of young burners, about to take their first steps into Division 1 baseball, Burto was an idol. Idol turned teammate, teammate turned friend.”

“We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have had Adam as a member of our club. A three-time premiership player, a first nine MVP and a member of Blackburns Finest. We remember him as one of the all time greats.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Burton family, particularly Cienna and Brock and to the wider baseball community.”