Burnham began his major league officiating career in 1883 when he called 41 National League games. On July 25 of that season, he called balls and strikes for a no-hitter thrown by "Old Hoss" Radbourn of the Providence Grays.\n', '

His next appearances as an umpire were single games in 1886 and another in 1887, but he returned to part-time officiating when he called 33 games in 1889, and 31 games in 1895. In all, Watch umpired 107 games, 99 of which were behind the plate.\n', '

Burnhan began the 1887 season as the manager of an upstart National League team, the Indianapolis Hoosiers. However, after a very slow start, the team had a 6-22 record, and was in last place; he was fired on June 2. Fred Thomas took over as interim manager in addition to his front office duties.\n', '

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