'Destined for baseball's biggest stage': Australian baseball great and Olympian Adam Burton dead at 53
Australian baseball and Olympic great and Adam Burton has died aged 53.
Burton reportedly died on Monday but the circumstances around his death are not publicly known.
Tributes have been flowing since his death, with many remembering Burton for his "entertaining" and "infectious personality."
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"Adam carried the moniker 'Hollywood' during an 11-year Australian Baseball League career that few matched," Waverley Baseball Club said in a statement.
"It suited him perfectly. He was brash, cocky, entertaining with a 'can't take your eyes off him' talent. He had an intrinsic love of the spotlight.
"'Hollywood' had the three Ps - pizzazz, personality and performance. Many could talk the talk but 'Hollywood' walked the walk."
"He was destined for baseball's biggest stage from the time he called Napier Park and Waverley Baseball Club home as a junior in the mid 1980s."
Adam Burton and Paul Gonzalez celebrate as Australia defeat Cuba 4-3 at the Intercontinental Baseball Cup. Getty
Team Australia Baseball wrote: "A legendary player and great teammate to many."
Baseball Victoria remembered "his unwavering love of the game and infectious personality."
"He will be truly missed. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow club members during this difficult time," the organisation wrote.
Blackburn Baseball Club described Burton as a "baseball genius."
Burton began his professional career in the ABL with Waverley at 17 in 1990.
He returned to the club in 1995 following his time in the US and led the club to a 1995 national title.
Burton made the shock switch to rival club Brisbane Bandits shortly after, where he produced one of the greatest season performance by a player in Australia.
That season he hit .388 and managed 21 home runs, 15 doubles and 64 hits.
Adam Burton of Australia in action against Korea during the IBA Intercontinental Baseball Cup. Getty
The rising talent from Australia spent five years in the Major League Baseball with the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves before returning home to continue his career.
His sensational career also saw him represent the nation at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the Baseball World Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.
Eleven years in the Australian Baseball League saw his talent put on display for teams including Waverley, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Burton, who was also known as 'Hollywood' or Burto, then moved into coaching.
