Burke’s season ended with the Astros’ double-A affiliate, Texas-based Round Rock on August 31. He is one of 30 finalists for Team USA set to play in the Olympic Qualifier in Panama City, Panama, this October and November. The team will be cut down to 24 after a training period in Phoenix, Ariz. Burke’s Team USA duties begin on Oct. 3.

One month off is plenty of time to catch up on family, friends and golf; three things Burke values very much. The self-professed family man says he’s been fortunate to have the past few weeks to spend with his family.

“It has been nice," he said. "I’ve been relaxing, catching up with everyone and also trying to stay in shape.”

Although Burke admits the six-month vacation is something he and his teammates look forward to, he believes that an opportunity to be on the USA Baseball Olympic Qualifying team far surpasses the rewards of a vacation.

“Wearing USA on your chest is special, you are representing your country. I am very blessed to have this opportunity.”

One reason Burke welcomes the situation is because he knows what its like to play on a National Team and wear the USA letters. He played for the 2000 USA Baseball National Team that traveled to Hawaii and Holland and posted a 27-3-1 record and won the Haarlem Baseball Championship.

“I had a blast on the 2000 team," he said. "So I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity again."

The 2001 tenth overall draft pick says that the prospect of playing in the Olympic Qualifier could top his earlier USA Baseball experience because more is at stake. The team will play a series of games to determine if the United States will be eligible to compete in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

“Last time, it was sort of like we were playing for ourselves, and if we won or lost we were only hurting or helping ourselves,” Burke said. “This time the whole country will be rooting for us.”

With more fan support, more pressure comes to succeed.

“I think there will be some added pressure. At this level, there will be a lot more guys playing with experience at a high level of competition, so I’m sure everyone will come out excited and focused on doing their best for the USA,” Burke said.

The daily grind of baseball is something Burke obviously welcomes. It may be a challenge but he has proved time and again that he knows how to respond. After high school, he wasn’t drafted by a big league team, but went on to the University of Tennessee and became their all time leader in hits, singles, doubles and triples. He was also named the 2001 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year.

Going into the Astros organization started off as a big challenge as he was already drawing comparisons to Houston Astro great Craig Biggio. Burke says the transition to the minor leagues has brought on some big changes.

“I think the major difference is jumping from the SEC ra-ra nature to the daily grind of the pros.”

He handled that transition gracefully, posting a .300 batting average as a rookie. He’s met challenges every step of the way and with each success comes personal rewards.

“Playing professional baseball has always been a dream of mine and it has far exceeded my expectations,” Burke said.

Being named to Team USA for a second time is another dream come true for Burke.

“I’ve been very fortunate and blessed by the good Lord just to have this opportunity,” Burke said.