An 1881 horse car accident had nearly derailed Burdock's career; he was rendered unconscious and local newspaper coverage indicated that he was taken home in critical condition.

Despite dire predictions, Burdock recovered quickly from the head injury and did not miss significant playing time.

After the team started the season 30-24, the managerial job went back to Morrill and Burdock devoted his full attention to second base.

In the ninth inning of a close game in 1881, Burdock hit a double but was tagged out on a hidden ball trick.

[2] At the time of Burdock's release, baseball teams were phasing out left-handed second basemen, and the Brooklyn Bridegrooms were seeking to replace Bill McClellan.

Shortly after Burdock was signed, he faced criminal charges for kissing a woman while he was intoxicated, but he was acquitted at trial.