2026 tennessee state athletics
Hall of Fame

One of the most prolific hitters in Tennessee State baseball history, Curtis Burke starred for the Tigers from 1978-81, batting .357, .348, .350 and .390 during his four seasons. A three-time First Team All-Nashville selection from 1979-81, Burke was named TSU Rookie of the Year in 1978 and TSU Co-MVP in 1981 while serving as team captain in 1980 and 1981. His senior season established single-season school records with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs, while he finished his career as the program’s all-time leader with 28 home runs and 176 RBIs. Burke’s accomplishments earned him selection by the Houston Astros in the third round of the 1981 Major League Baseball Draft with the 75th overall pick. His success continued in professional baseball, where he set a Houston Astros organizational record with 48 doubles during the 1983 season. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the program, Tennessee State retired his No. 37 jersey.