Thursday, March 22, 2007

Jack Hugh Bankhead 1921-2007

Jack Hugh Bankhead passed away on March 13, 2007 at the age of 85.

He was a shortstop with the 1941 Union City Greyhounds, batting .219 in 99 games with 33 stolen bases. Born in Kansas City, MO December 18, 1921, he as initially signed by scout Bill Essick of the New York Yankees during his senior year at Northeast High School. In 1940, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and played for their Class D Kitty League club the following season.

Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 83rd Infantry Division of the 330th Regiment during World War II. He ended the conflict as a decorated veteran, having fought at The Battle of the Bulge and receiving three Bronze Stars for heroism and a Purple Heart.

A baseball-related injury as well as his service in the war peaked his interest in medicine. He became a physician and practiced anesthesiology until his retirement in 1986.

Click here to view his obituary and/or leave a comment on his guestbook.