Wes Parker

Wes Parker played first base with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1964 to 1972. In 1974, he spent one season with the Nankai Hawks in Japan. Parker is a Dodgers Legend Bureau representative and a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

About Wes Parker |  Family

Wes Parker is the son of former professional baseball player Maurice Wesley “Wes” Parker III.

Wes Parker has experience in both Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

Here, Wes Parker was born in Evanston, Illinois, on November 13, 1939. Parker is his parents’ middle child. Celia Parker is his older sister, while Lyn Parker is his younger brother.

Parker grew up in a very tranquil and affluent environment thanks to his wealthy family. Parker’s father, a native of the Boston area, works as a casualty insurance salesman.

Parker’s father met his wife, Mary Josyln, in Chicago while on vacation. Mary’s father had a winter house in Bel Air, one of the country’s most affluent communities in California.

Career Options

Wes Parker despised the prospect of following in his father’s footsteps and entering the insurance industry. Parker, however, left the insurance profession after a few years to work for a Santa Monica firm.

However, because the globe was in upheaval owing to World War I, Parker chose to fill a leadership position at a manufacturing company.

The company produced bomb parts to equip the military with the weaponry it required.

The demand decreased after the war ended. Parker bought the business and started making steel kitchen cabinets. After the purchase, the company was renamed Parker Manufacturing Company.

Parker, who has a vibrant personality, has also dabbled in various business ventures. Parker quickly moved into the industrial real estate market.

The real estate industry provided better value and was more profitable.

Beginnings in Baseball

Wes Parker’s baseball ability was discovered by a Little League coach called Ned Bowler.

Parker has stated that the coach was essential in influencing his baseball strategy when he was 11 years old.

Coach Ned Bowler also emphasized to Parker the significance of giving your best and limiting the importance of winning.

As a result, these lessons were important pillars in Parker’s journey to the Major Leagues and success.

At the same time, Los Angeles Dodgers scout Charlie Dressen was keeping an eye on Parker’s baseball abilities.

Parker’s play was followed by Dressen, a friend of Parker’s father’s, throughout high school and college.

Education

Military Academy at Harvard

Wes Parker went to Harvard Military Academy, which is now known as Harvard Westlake. Grenville C. Emery started the school on Venice Boulevard in Los Angeles in 1900.

Wes Parker played intramural sports at Harvard, which is a fascinating fact. At Harvard, Parker participated in intramural basketball, football, and track.

Moreover, Parker was also a member of the Harvard baseball team.

Parker has exhibited an interest in football, stating that it is his second favorite sport. Parker was a quarterback as well as a safety in collegiate football.

Men’s College of Claremont

Parker won the Olympic League MVP Award for his outstanding performance on the gridiron while at Harvard.

His brilliance in sports, however, was met with rejection from UCLA and USC due to his grade average of C.

Wes Parker enrolled in Claremont Men’s College, which is now Claremont McKenna College, as a result.

Furthermore, Parker had originally intended to pursue a profession in medicine. Parker, too, obtained a position as an orderly at the Santa Monica Hospital to learn more about the field.

In addition, Parker mentioned in an interview that he used to think he wanted to be a doctor. Parker eventually realized, however, that he lacked the perseverance required to pursue the aim.

Parker transferred to the University of Southern California after attending Claremont McKenna College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Southern California.

Dilemmas, Dilemmas, and More Dilemmas

Similarly, Parker moved to Europe to clear his mind and decide on his career after much confusion.

Parker had three options in front of him. Parker was caught between three equally enticing possibilities.

To begin, he could work for his father in his business. Second, he may ask his father to put him in touch with a company like Carnation or a stock sales position.

Finally, he had the option of returning home and pursuing a baseball career. Parker chose baseball because he enjoyed the game and had a strong desire to play it.

Parker reconnected with Charlie Dressen, a friend of his father’s, to discuss baseball opportunities and pathways.

A scout for the Dodgers, Charlie Dressen, decided to help and gained him a berth on the rookie squad.

You might also be interested in learning more about Tonya Harding

Professional Life and Career

Parker gradually ascended to the first team after Charlie Dressen connected him with the Dodgers’ Rookie club. Parker, too, joined the Dodgers in December 1972.

Albuquerque Dukes vs. Santa Barbara Dodgers

Parker was sent to the Santa Barbara Dodgers shortly after signing with the Dodgers.

Here, Parker went on to play for the Albuquerque Dukes in the Double-A Texas League after his time with Santa Barbara.

Similarly, Parker appeared in 92 games for Santa Barbara and hit.305. Parker also appeared in 26 games for Albuquerque, hitting.350.

(1964–1972) Los Angeles Dodgers

After the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees, Buzzie Bavasi, the team’s manager at the time, purchased Parker from the Spokane Indians.

Parker was added to the 40-man roster by Buzzie, making him eligible to practice with the squad and be selected for the 25-man roster.

Wes Parker then had a great time training with the Dodgers and called the 1964 Spring Training ‘phenomenal.’

Parker then joined the first team and began competing for a starting spot. On April 19, 1964, he made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Moreover, Parker was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers for nine years. He usually played first base and outfield.

Parker also batted left and threw right. Parkers appeared in 1288 games with the Dodgers throughout those nine years.

Season for Rookies

On April 19, 1964, at the age of 24, Wes Parker made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Parked appeared in 124 games and 240 plate appearances in his debut season with the Dodgers (PA). He hit.357/.303/.341 during the season.

In 1965, Parker’s Dodgers won the World Series. He had worries about his ability to play high during the event.

Parker defied all expectations with a.304 batting average and a home run to help his side win 7-2 over the Minnesota Twins.

Parker went to Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a health checkup shortly after the World Series finished. He had dislocated his shoulder and needed an x-ray as well as allergy testing.

Moreover, Parker began gaining weight and muscle after a necessary visit to the doctor.

He also began taking protein supplements and drinking milk to augment his diet with an additional 1800 calories each day.

In addition, Parker used his physical fitness to help him strengthen himself and gain mental confidence.

Parker was awarded the Gold Glove Award for his outstanding performance on the field.

From 1967 to 1972, he won the award six times for first base. He earned the reputation of being the best fielding first baseman of all time.

Performances to Remember

Parker also set a career-best by playing 161 games in a single season in 1970. He also hit ten home runs and had a.319 batting average, which was a career-high.

On May 7, 1970, Parker gave one of his best performances against the New York Mets. Parker’s cycle was complete (single, double, triple, and a home run in the same game).

Parker appeared in 287 games for the Dodgers over the next two seasons. In 1971 and 1972, he had batting averages of.274 and.179, respectively.

Thus, Parker spent nine seasons with the Dodgers, appearing in 1288 games. He had a.267 batting average, 548 runs batted in, 64 home runs, and 470 RBI.

Parker appeared in 1,108 games at first base and had a fielding percentage of.996.

Recognition & Awards

• World Series Winner (1965)
• Golden Glove Award six times (1967–1972)
• Gold Glove Award in Major League Baseball
• Best Baseman on Defense (August 21, 2007)
• Glove of Diamonds (1974)

On August 21, 2007, Parker has voted the top defensive baseman. He was also chosen to the All-Time Gold Glove Team in Major League Baseball.

Parker, on the other hand, became the only member of the Gold Glove Team who was not inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Then, Parker had spent nine seasons in the league at the time. To be eligible for the honor, a player must have played in the MLB for ten seasons.

Despite this, Parker remains the Dodgers’ sole player to be named to the All-Time Gold Glove Team.

Hawks of Nankai (1974)

Parker shifted continents after leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers and signed with the Nankai Hawks in 1974.

The Nankai Hawks, often known as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, are members of the Nippon Professional Baseball League (NPB).

Parker adjusted well to his new environment. Parker played 128 games for the Japanese teams despite only playing for one season. He posted a.301 batting average while hitting 15 home runs.

Wes Parker’s defensive abilities and capabilities were never truly forgotten.

He rapidly became known in Japan for his razor-sharp defense. He was awarded the Diamond Glove, Japan’s equivalent of the Golden Gloves.

Despite having a good time in Japan, Parker felt lonely as an American in a foreign country.

Furthermore, although being a happy person, Parker struggled to communicate effectively due to linguistic issues.

You might also be interested in learning more about Hulk Hogan

Career Stats

Year	WAR	AB	H	HR	BA	R	RBI	SB	OBP	SLG
Career	22.9	4157	1110	64	.267	548	470	60	.351	.375

Personal Experiences

Parker worked as a television color analyst in 1973, the year between his service in America and Japan. Following that, he worked for the Cincinnati Reds, another Major League Baseball team in the country.

Wes Parker has also worked in the sports broadcasting industry. Parker worked as a baseball broadcaster for NBC and the USA Network in 1978-79 and 1980-83.

The Film Industry and Wes Parker

In his next adventure, the varied player and personality carried on. His next stop would be television and Hollywood. Parker decided to pursue acting and began auditioning for jobs in various films.

Furthermore, Parker appeared in several films and television episodes during the 1970s. Parker, for example, appeared in episode 17 of The Brady Bunch as Greg Brady’s arithmetic instructor.

Parker, too, has appeared in several films. Wes Parker has appeared in films such as Pleasure Cove, The Courage and the Passion, and Cry From The Mountain.

Beliefs in Religion

Wes Parker is a devout Christian who shares Christian beliefs. Parker, on the other hand, has never been a believer.

Parker admitted in a 1982 broadcast that he never understood Christianity and was not drawn to it.

That was until he met Dr. Gene Scott, a Voice of Faith pastor and instructor from the United States.

Parker’s faith was strengthened after meeting Dr. Scott and learning from his knowledgeable and fact-based approach.

Relationship Status

In terms of his relationship, Parker is a quiet man. Despite tons of news and rumors about his relationship, Parker’s dating status remains unknown.

We also have no way of knowing if he is married or not.

Net Worth | Wes Parker

As a result of his baseball career and other activities, Wes Parker’s net worth and wealth have increased.

Similarly, Parker has made real estate investments. His Los Angeles home was just advertised for $7.2 million. Wes also comes from a prosperous and privileged family.

Wes Parker has a net worth of $10 million, according to online sources.

Body Measurement | Hair, Height, Nationality

In May 2022, Wes Parker will be 82 years old. Parker’s zodiac sign is Scorpio, as he was born on November 13th.

Scorpios are known for their strong will, sensitivity, and compassionate disposition.

Despite his advanced age, Parker maintains his health and leads a healthy lifestyle.

Parker is 6 feet and 1 inch tall (185 cm). He, too, is 180 pounds (81 kg).

Social Media

Wes Parker is not active on any social networking platforms. On Google and Youtube, though, you may learn more about him and see highlights and interviews.

Frequently Asked Question:

Wes Parker played for which teams?

Wes Parker has played for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball and the Nankai Hawks of Japan.

Is Wes Parker at band camp right now?

No, the former Dodger is not attending band camp. However, it mentions someone with the same name as the baseballer.

What honors has Wes Parker received?

Parker won six Golden Gloves as a player, including Diamond Glove, and is a member of the All-Time Gold Glove Award. He’s also a World Series champion.

Is Wes Parker an Ares Management Corporation employee?

Ares Management Corporation did not employ the first baseman.

Does Wes Parker have a flawless game profile?

He probably doesn’t have a profile on the ideal game, which is “dedicated to fostering the growth and career of excellent high school baseball players,” because he played from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s.

With the Los Angeles Dodgers, what was Wes Parker’s uniform number?

The baseballer’s Los Angeles Dodgers jersey number was 28.

Quick Facts | Wes Parker

Full Name	Maurice Wesley “Wes” Parker III
Date of Birth	November 13, 1939
Birth Place	Evanston, Illinois
Nick Name	None
Religion	Christianity
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	White
Education Qualifications	High school and College Graduate
Horoscope	Scorpio
Father’s Name	Unknown
Mother’s Name	Mary Josyln
Siblings	Celia Parker and Lyn Parker
Age	82 Years Old
Height	6 ft 1 inch (1.85 m)
Weight	180 pounds (81 kg)
Hair Color	Blonde
Eye Color	Black
Uniform Number	#6 (Nankai Hawks)
Profession	Baseball player, Film Star
Position	First Baseman and Out-Fielder
Affiliation	Los Angeles Dodgers, Nankai Hawks
Active Years	1964 – 1974
Marital Status	Unknown
Wife	N/A
Kids	N/A
Net Worth	$10 Million
Awards and Recognition	World Series Champion (1965)6x Gold Glove Award (1967 -1972) All-time Gold Gloves Team Diamond Glove (1974)
Merch	Rookie Card, Autographed Card, Baseball Card
Last Update	May 2022