Burks was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, but raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and attended Everman High School.

[1] Burks was initially overlooked by scouts and only received a scholarship offer from Ranger Junior College after a showcase at Arlington Stadium.

During the 1990 season he hit two home runs in the same inning of a game, to become the second player in Red Sox history to achieve the feat; Bill Regan was the first, in 1928.

He surpassed expectations around him by turning in a solid, injury-free season, filling the White Sox' urgent need for a quality right fielder.

He also stole 32 bases that season, marking only the second time that two players from the same team collected at least 30 home runs and 30 steals, as Colorado outfielder Dante Bichette accomplished the feat.

[6] While with the Rockies, Burks was part of the Blake Street Bombers that included Andrés Galarraga, Bichette, Larry Walker and Vinny Castilla.

He sprained his wrist in spring training of 2003 and kept playing in 55 games until the muscles in his right hand affected his ability to swing the bat.

The Indians did not pick up their 2004 contract option or offer him salary arbitration, and he returned to the Red Sox in 2004, playing eleven games without making the postseason roster.

[10] Burks resides in Chagrin Falls, Ohio,[11][failed verification] and his son, Chris, played baseball in the San Francisco Giants organization.