Ernest Burke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ernest Burke |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: June 26, 1924 Havre de Grace, Maryland |
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| Died: January 31, 2004 (aged 79) Baltimore, Maryland |
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| debut | |||
| 1946, for the Baltimore Elite Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1948, for the Baltimore Elite Giants | |||
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Ernest Alexander Burke (born June 26, 1924 – died January 31, 2004) was an American baseball player. He was famous for playing in the Negro leagues, which were professional baseball leagues for African American players before baseball was fully integrated. Burke was a talented pitcher and outfielder.
Early Life and Military Service
Ernest Burke was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland. When World War II began, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps. He was one of the very first African American Marines to serve in World War II.
During his time in the military, Burke showed great skill. He earned a medal for being an excellent sharpshooter. While serving in the Pacific region, he also started playing baseball. This helped him develop his skills even further.
Baseball Career
After World War II ended, Ernest Burke returned home. He then began his professional baseball career. He joined the Baltimore Elite Giants, a team in the Negro American League. He played for the Elite Giants from 1946 to 1949.
Burke was a versatile player. He was known for his pitching skills, but he also played as an outfielder. In 1949, he moved on to play for the Pough-Kingston team in the Western League. Later, he also played in the Canadian Provincial League, continuing his baseball journey.
Later Life and Legacy
Ernest Burke passed away on January 31, 2004, at the age of 79. He died due to complications from kidney cancer.
Even after his death, Burke's legacy lives on. On June 26, 2021, which would have been his 97th birthday, a special statue was unveiled in his hometown of Havre de Grace, Maryland. This statue honors his contributions as a baseball player and as one of the first African American U.S. Marines.
