[1] He was discovered by Chicago Tribune book critic Bob Cromie while pitching in Birmingham in 1978.

In 1983 he helped the White Sox into the ALCS against the Baltimore Orioles, pitching 91⁄3 innings before surrendering a home run to Tito Landrum in the fourth and final game of the series.

After winning 18 games for Chicago in 1985, Burns was traded on December 12 with Glen Braxton and Mike Soper to the New York Yankees for Ron Hassey and Joe Cowley.

A chronic, degenerative hip condition, however, put Burns's career on hold before he could ever pitch for New York.

After years of rehab, he attempted a comeback in 1990, making four unsuccessful minor-league starts before finally retiring as a player.