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Ernest Alexander Burke (June 26, 1924 – January 31, 2004) [1] was an American baseball player in the Negro leagues.

Ernest Burke
Pitcher
Born: (1924-06-26)June 26, 1924 Havre de Grace, Maryland
Died: January 31, 2004(2004-01-31) (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
Baltimore Elite Giants (1946–48)

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

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors) and Baseball-Reference Black Baseball stats and Seamheads
• Find a Grave Bio
• Havard de Grace Official City Website

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