Mourning the Passing of Eddie G.G. Burton
Thank you, Eddie. Thank you for opening my eyes and ears to Negro Leagues Baseball. To its history. To its foundation. To everything it stood for. You were a great ambassador of the game. You’ll be missed.
I’m saddened to report the news that Eddie G.G. Burton passed away on Monday, October 22, 2018 at the age of 88.
On Saturday, November 10th, the Charlotte Knights held a memorial service for Eddie’s family and friends at BB&T Ballpark. It was a special day.
I first met Eddie just before the Charlotte Knights opened BB&T Ballpark in 2014. We held a press conference to unveil our ballpark murals, which can be seen when driving on S. Graham St. It was there that Eddie began telling me about the history of the Negro Leagues — and his contributions.
He told me about the great players that came through the leagues — and the ones that he played with along the way. He told me about how at the age of 16 he signed on to his first Negro Leagues team — the same year as Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier — 1947.
Over the years, I was introduced to a number of Negro League greats by Eddie, including Carl “Satch” Forney, Bill Cathcart, Jimmy Bland, Sam Allen, and Luther Atkinson. All of these legends were honored at the ballpark each season. Sadly, Carl Forney passed away a few months before our 2018 tribute. The Knights honored his family last season for all of his achievements.
Over the years, I was also introduced to Bobby Parker, Michael Webb, and Ray Banks. The event could not have been the same without these three gentlemen as well. All three worked hard to make it special each year.
Banks always plays a big part in the tributes with his traveling museum displayed on the concourse. Each year, he always brings so many great artifacts for fans to see. Each one helps tell the story of so many great ballplayers from the Negro Leagues.
Last season, we held our 5th Annual Negro Leagues Tribute Night at BB&T Ballpark. Thanks to Eddie’s determination, the event has grown each year. It went from a small ceremony in 2014, to a large tribute in 2018. Last year’s event was the best one yet. Sharon Robinson, Jackie’s daughter — was there to greet the former Negro League ballplayers. Charlotte mayor Vi Lyles was also there to dedicate the day to the legendary players.
Eddie always had so many great stories to tell and I always enjoyed when he talked to the media. Perhaps one of my favorites over the years came last season when he sat down with Gerry V of 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte.
Eddie’s legacy and memory will live on at BB&T Ballpark. I hope you can join us for the Charlotte Knights’ 6th Annual Negro Leagues Tribute Night at BB&T Ballpark on Tuesday, April 9th. It will be a special event.
Rest in peace, Eddie. My thoughts and prayers go out to your wife Gaile, your family, and all of your friends during this time. Thank you for all you did over the years.
