Books and articles about Wes Parker

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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)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » October 10, 1965: In game four Don Drysdale evens the World Series with a 5-hit 7–2 win. Wes Parker and Lou Johnson hit home runs, as the Dodgers beat Jim Grant. » May 7, 1966: Dodger Jim Lefebvre hits home runs right- and lefthanded in the same game, as Los Angeles routs Cincinnati 14–2. On June 5th, teammate Wes Parker will match Lefebvre. » May 7, 1970: Wes Parker's 10th inning triple is the game winner in a 7–4 win over the Mets. With the hit, Parker ends the day having hit for the cycle, the first Los Angeles Dodger to turn the trick. » July 10, 1970: The Padres launch four home runs in the 9th inning against LA but the power display comes too late and the Dodgers win, 9–7. Wes Parker has two doubles and a triple for LA. For the Padres, Ivan Murrell, Ed Spiezio and Dave Campbell hit solo homers off Bill Singer, and Cito Gaston connects for a 2-run homer off Jose Pena. The barrage is one short of the record. » July 20, 1970: The Dodgers Bill Singer, who a month earlier lost a no-hitter to Atlanta with two outs in the 9th, no-hits the Phillies 5–0, giving up no walks. He strikes out 10 and makes two miscues, one a controversial throwing error that pulls 1B Wes Parker off the base. The Phillies' players argue, contending the soft chopper by Don Money should be a hit. Singer had spent three weeks in the hospital in June for hepatitis. » November 25, 1972: TSN announces Gold Glove Award winners. Pirate Roberto Clemente wins his 12th straight, and Dodger 1B Wes Parker his 6th in a row. Neither will play in 1973.