He was named player-manager in the middle of the 1905, season but was replaced by Stanley Robison after amassing a record of 34–56.

In 1901, he split time between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox of the American League.

Burke never got anywhere near close to regular playing time until he was traded by Pittsburgh to the St. Louis Cardinals.

However, despite in appearing in over hundred games in both of the next seasons, Burke found himself playing for the Kansas City Blues in the minor leagues.

Burke never again played in the majors, finishing his career with the Fort Wayne Champs of the Central League in 1913.