Ernest Burke
Ernest Alexander Burke (June 26, 1924 – January 31, 2004) [1] was an American baseball player in the Negro leagues.
| Ernest Burke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: June 26, 1924 Havre de Grace, Maryland | |
| Died: January 31, 2004 (aged 79) Baltimore, Maryland | |
Batted: Left Threw: Right | |
| Negro league baseball debut | |
| 1946, for the Baltimore Elite Giants | |
| Last appearance | |
| 1948, for the Baltimore Elite Giants | |
| Teams | |
|
Burke was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland. During World War II, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and was one of the first black U.S. Marines to serve in World War II, earning a medal as a sharpshooter. During his tour of duty in the Pacific, Burke began to play baseball.
After the war, he became a pitcher and outfielder for the Baltimore Elite Giants in the Negro American League. He played for Baltimore from 1946 to 1949. In 1949, he joined the Pough-Kingston team in the Western League, then later played in the Canadian Provincial League.
Burke died of kidney cancer complications at the age of 79. A statue of Burke was unveiled on June 26, 2021 in his home city.
References
- Bruns, Roger A. (2012). Negro Leagues Baseball. ISBN 9780313386480.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors) and Baseball-Reference Black Baseball stats and Seamheads
- Ernest Burke at Find a Grave
- Havard de Grace Official City Website