Shock death of Australian baseball legend Adam Burton, aged 53, rocks sporting world

A massive ‘outpouring of shock and loss’ has swept through the Australian sporting world after the unexpected death of an Aussie Olympian.

The death of Australian Olympian Adam Burton has rocked the baseball world after he died suddenly on Monday at the age of 53.

Burton represented Australia in the 2000 Olympics and played Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves.

The man affectionately known as ‘Hollywood’ had a widespread impact on many Australian athletes after playing and coaching at several local baseball clubs across Melbourne.

Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

But that all came after what was an incredible career.

Burton’s baseball legacy began with Victorian side Waverley, making the club’s first Australian Baseball League (ABL) roster in 1990 at just 17 years of age.

His incredible talent, which included “lightning speed, bat speed and power to match” quickly saw him snapped up by MLB outfit the Baltimore Orioles before eventually moving to the Atlanta Braves.

After five years plying his trade in the United States, Burton returned home and led his local club Waverley to the 1995 national title.

Burton then made a shock move to the Brisbane Bandits after the championship season and went on to produce one of the greatest seasons in national baseball history where he hit at .388 and led the team in home runs (21), doubles (15) and hits (64).

Australian Olympic legend Adam Burton has tragically passed away. Image: Getty

However, Waverly held no hard feelings towards ‘Hollywood’. And the club wrote a heartfelt tribute to one of their all-time greats following his death on Monday.

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

“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 Burton was always destined to play on the biggest stages.

“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.”

Burton was set to be a star of the Australian side when the Sydney Olympics came around in 2000, but he was hampered by an ankle injury and only managed one appearance.

However, in his incredible career, he still managed several appearances for the green and gold and is remembered as one of Australia’s baseball greats.

After learning of his passing Team Australia Baseball paid tribute to him writing: “A legendary player and great teammate to many.”

While Baseball Victoria wrote that Burton was “a beloved member of the Victorian baseball community”.

Adam Burton of Australia in action against Korea during the IBA Intercontinental Baseball Cup, Image: Adam Pretty/ALLSPORT

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

“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.”

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

While Blackburn Baseball Club, another of Burton’s ABL clubs, described him as a “baseball genius”.

“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 Blackburn’s 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.”

Burton’s cause of death is currently unknown.

Originally published as Shock death of Australian baseball legend Adam Burton, aged 53, rocks sporting world