When it came to wearing different hates at Saint Francis University, nobody needed a bigger closet than Jim Burke. Baseball coach … Assistant football coach … Philosophy instructor … Liaison to the NCAA … Chairman and Moderator of the Varsity F Club … Official Scorer and Timekeeper for the basketball program.
A graduate of the College of Holy Cross who played semi-professional baseball in Fall River, Massachusetts, Mr. Burke assumed responsibilities as head baseball coach at Saint Francis in 1950, after serving as a Navy lieutenant on a PT boat from 1942-47. He directed the fortunes of the “Frankie Nine” until 1972.
According to the 1959 Saint Francis yearbook “S.F.C.’s varsity nine managed to put across a fine season despite the weather handicaps that Loretto affords” Under Mr. Burke’s tutelage, Red Flash baseball fielded a competitive squad in and year out.
Away from the diamond, Mr. Burke taught philosophy at the University for 42 years from 1949 until his retirement in 1991. He served as chairperson of the philosophy department during his tenure and was Saint Francis’ NCAA representative from 1950-70. Throughout his career at Saint Francis, Mr. Burke unselfishly contributed much of his time and efforts to different campus activities and organizations
Saint Francis College is proud to honor Lexi Chamberlain-Reish with induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame on this date, Friday, July 27, 2001.
