The Questions With Chris Burke

What was your welcome-to-the-big-leagues moment?
My first start, in San Diego [in 2004]. I looked up to throw the ball to first, and I was throwing to [Jeff] Bagwell. I was like, Man, here I am.

Your most embarrassing moment?
When I was a September call-up, the veterans made us wear Hooters outfits. We're walking through the [hotel] lobby, and people would walk by and try not to laugh--like we were serious about what we were wearing. I was like, Please laugh! This is a joke!

One thing about being a ballplayer that the public does not realize
When we go out to the field and run past someone seeking an autograph, it's not being rude. We're trying to get ready for the game.

If I were commissioner for a day, I would ...
schedule more day games. It lets us have an evening with our wives, go to dinner with the family.

LAST WEEK
Burke, whose homer helped beat the Nationals on April 9, stole two bases in a win over Arizona on Sunday.

THIS WEEK
Over the weekend the Astros host the Pirates--against whom Burke batted .294 with three RBIs last year.