On March 13, 1981, the California Angels sign Rick Burleson to a six-year contract worth $4.2 million, making him the highest-paid shortstop in the major leagues. Burleson was traded to the Angels from the Boston Red Sox last December. He will be paid an estimated $700,000 a year If he had not agreement on the deal, he would have played out his option year this season on a four-year contract paying him just $125,000 a year. The new deal makes him the 4th highest-paid player in baseball.
“I’m happy that things have worked out and I’ll be here for awhile,’’ said Burleson, a native of Lynwood, Calif., who recently bought a new home near Anaheim Stadium. “I wouldn’t have wanted negotiations to drag into the season. I had to go through that with Boston in 1976 and it isn’t a very – good atmosphere to play in.” The shortstop made it clear he wanted to be the highest-paid shortstop in the game, and the final contract figure was expected to keep at that level for several seasons. He will hit .293 for the Angels before injuries slowed the Rooster down.
Sources:
Baseball Reference March 13SABR Games Project
Retro Sheet
