Graceful Wes Parker was in the lineup for his outstanding glove work at first base,
although he felt he was a better centerfielder. In 1965 and 1966 he teamed with Wills,
Lefebvre, and Gilliam in the only all-switch-hitting infield. His only 1968 error
was controversial, coming on an Astroturf bounce, after which the Los Angeles writers
assured him that the Houston scorer had been drinking. His one exceptional year at
the plate was 1970, when he hit .319 with 111 RBI and led the NL with 47 doubles.
He retired at 32 with a ML career-record .996 fielding average and six straight Gold
Gloves, "to enjoy the whole spectrum of life." Parker came out of retirement in 1974
to play in Japan, and he hit .301 with 14 HR for Nankai. He then became a broadcaster
and TV actor.
(TG)
Wes Parker
teams