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Danny Burawa poses for a portrait on February 27, 2015.
Danny Burawa may be best known for his time as a Major League Baseball pitcher, but this fall he’s trading in his glove and fastball for running shoes and the streets of New York City. The Riverhead, Long Island, native will run the New York City Marathon on November 2 as part of a 33-person team raising money for animal welfare.
At 36 years old, Burawa brings a familiar competitive edge and discipline to endurance sport. He’ll be running with Team Animal League, North Shore Animal League America‘s charity group committed to helping rescued animals, and his participation shines a new light on his athletic journey beyond baseball.
A Cause That Runs Deep
Burawa isn’t running just for personal achievement; he’s using his marathon effort to raise awareness and funds for animals in need. As a member of Team Animal League, he is committed to supporting the rescue and care of Long Island animals, connecting his hometown roots to a philanthropic mission.
Founded in 1944, North Shore Animal League America is a no-kill shelter that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes tens of thousands of dogs and cats each year–often stepping in when overcrowded shelters or natural-disaster zones leave animals at risk. Over the decades, over 1.2 million animals have been saved.
In 2008, the rescue started Team Animal League for marathoners wanting to participate in the NYC Marathon to raise funds for animals in need. Scott Guber, an advocate for animal care and safety, has been the captain since Day 1.
“As a no-kill shelter, North Shore Animal League America gives every animal a fighting chance, regardless of age, background or condition,” Guber said. “Having spent a lot of time at the Animal League, I feel privileged to do anything I can to support the mission. Words cannot express the joy both the animals and the adopters experience when that special moment occurs.
“Knowing that simply logging miles can help make this happen seems like such a simple task compared to the tireless efforts everyone at the Animal League puts in each and every day.”
Transitioning from Pro Baseball to Endurance Running
Burawa’s background as a professional baseball player gives him a unique perspective as he tackles the marathon distance. Drafted by the New York Yankees in 2010 and making his MLB debut in 2015, his athletic foundation is built on power, speed and intensity.
Burawa’s professional career, also, included a brief stint with the Atlanta Braves. He spent several seasons across minor-league affiliates, refining his command and competing against future big-league talent. Known for his mid-90s fastball and aggressive style on the mound, Burawa embodied the intensity that defines relief pitching–quick bursts of power, precision under pressure, and the mental toughness to perform in high-leverage situations.
But the marathon requires different muscles–both literally and figuratively. It demands sustained endurance, pacing strategy and mental resilience. Burawa’s decision to run 26.2 miles suggests he is embracing a new kind of challenge, one that extends beyond the short-burst power of baseball into the long game of running.
Preparation, Goals & What to Watch
In preparing for the marathon, Burawa has likely shifted how he trains, fuels and recovers. Whereas baseball pitching emphasizes explosive effort and recovery intervals, marathon running emphasizes steady state, long-duration exertion and stamina preservation.
What will be interesting to watch on race day: how Burawa handles the terrain of New York’s five-borough course, how he adapts to the mental rhythm of the marathon, and how his finish in Central Park compares to his former finish zones on the diamond.
Alyssa Polczynski Alyssa Polczynski is a multimedia journalist covering Major League Baseball for Heavy.com. She has experience as an editorial producer for MLB.com and contributed to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). More about Alyssa Polczynski
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