Burris: Hard work should be 'honored and embraced'

Phillies rehab pitching coach Ray Burris has an infallible work ethic -- honed during his childhood in Oklahoma. (Getty)PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies rehab pitching coach Ray Burris appreciates hard work and those who came before him.

Burris, 65, grew up as a son of sharecroppers in rural Oklahoma. Before he spent 15 seasons in the big leagues, from 1973-87, he worked in the fields with his family -- anywhere from nine to 15 hours a day.

Burris started as a 5-year-old, working through high school. He chopped and pulled cotton. He cut wheat, barley and more. He hauled and stacked hay. He milked cows. He churned butter. He grew fruits and vegetables. He retrieved eggs from the henhouse, hoping to…