Betting on Himself
Coming out of high school, Burress had the kind of profile that attracts pro attention. But when the draft came around, he didn’t get the opportunity that matched his value.
So instead of signing, he bet on himself, choosing Georgia Tech, a decision he calls “one of the best of my life.”
“Coach Ramsey was a big part of that,” Burress said of now-head coach James Ramsey, who recently took over the program after Danny Hall’s legendary run. “Georgia Tech’s always been elite at producing hitters and big leaguers, and it was close to home. Everything just fit.”
Since arriving in Atlanta, Burress has done nothing but hit. From the moment he stepped on campus, he became a lineup mainstay, the kind of player opposing pitchers game plan around and teammates rally behind.
He credits that development to the coaching staff’s experience and approach.
“It’s hard to say there’s a more knowledgeable staff in the country,” Burress said. “Between Coach Hall, Coach Ramsey, and Coach Stricklin, you’re learning from guys who have done it at every level.”
Leading the Right Way
Burress doesn’t just lead with production; he leads by example. As a freshman, he was surrounded by fifth-year players and transfers who showed him what a winning culture looked like.