Webbo Clarke

From BR Bullpen

Vibert Ernesto Clarke

Bats Left, Throws Left
Height 6' 0", Weight 165 lb.

Debut September 4, 1955
Final Game September 24, 1955
Born June 8, 1928 in Colon, Colon, Panama
Died June 14, 1970 in Cristobal, Panama

[edit] Biographical Information

In the 1955 treaty with Panama the United States agreed to provide increased funds for the use of territorial waters in the Canal Zone. That same year Panamanian born left-hander Vibert "Webbo" Clarke was signed as an amateur free agent by the Washington Senators. He had a very short stay, to be exact, from September 4 to 24, appearing in seven games with no decisions, pitching 21 innings and ending with a 4.64 ERA.

Webbo would spend just three years in American Pro Ball, 1955 through 1957 and show up on the rosters of the Charlotte Hornets, Louisville Colonels, Minneapolis Millers, Springfield Giants and finish up his minor league run in 1957 with the Dallas Eagles.

His best season was his first, 1955, when he went 16-12 with a 3.40 ERA for the Charlotte Team. Webbo's minor league work sheet shows during his short run he appeared in 106 games, pitching 580 innings and winning 30 while losing 44 for a 4.72 ERA. Information on hand shows that Webbo appeared in 29 games in the 1959 Mexican League with the Mexico City Reds but no further statistics are available.

One of the several players who made his way from the Caribbean and Panamanian winter leagues into professional baseball in the United States, Vibert died June 14, 1970, at age 42 at Cristobal in the Canal Zone.