Parke Wilson
From BR Bullpen
Parke Asel Wilson
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 166 lb.
- Debut July 19, 1893
- Final Game October 14, 1899
- Born October 26, 1867 in Keithsburg, IL USA
- Died December 20, 1934 in Hermosa Beach, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Parke Wilson played seven seasons for the New York Giants. Primarily a catcher, he appeared at all positions on the field except for pitcher.
The SABR biography of Bid McPhee indicates that McPhee moved as a child to Keithsburg, IL, and Bid worked for a while as a helper in Parke's father's store. Bid and Parke played on a local team called the Ictorias.
Prior to appearing in the majors Wilson was purchased from Augusta. Even earlier than that, in 1891, he had been on the pennant-winning Portland team. After his major league days he played several more years in the minors, mostly in the PCL.
In the book Baseball: The Early Years, Wilson is said to have chosen not to use finger signals to indicate pitches but rather to wink his eyes or look intently in a particular direction.
He served as umpire on August 14, 1899 in the game between Cleveland and New York because one of the umpires did not show up.
