Subject(s): Ernest Burke Sport: Baseball Location: Millard Tydings Memorial Park, Havre de Grace, Maryland Unveiled: 26/6/2021 Sculptor: Austen Brantley Material: Bronze Status: In Situ Inscription(s): Plaque: Ernest Burke. On June 26th, 1924, Ernest Burke was born into the well-respected Burke family of Havre de Grace, MD. Ten years later, the death of both parents, the Depression, and regulations on the poor found him homeless. Recognizing Ernest's physical strength, entrepreneurial spirit, and good nature, a Canadian family temporarily living in Havre de Grace took Ernest to Iberville, Quebec to live with them. Ernest graduated from high school in Canada but felt the call to serve his native country, and was one of the first African-Americans to join the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II. It was here that his natural skill in baseball - pitching and hitting - was recognized. After the War, he joined the Baltimore Elite Giants, a Negro Leagues team, and became a professional baseball player. Throughout his life, Burke mentored others with words of a healthy life and athletic strength, speaking to school, Little Leaguers and the general public. Links: Sculptor