Spider Clark
Spider Clark | |
---|---|
Buffalo Bisons (PL) | |
MLB statistics | |
Batting average | .262 |
Home runs | 5 |
Runs batted in | 47 |
Teams | |
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Owen F. "Spider" Clark (September 16, 1867 – February 8, 1892) was an American
Born and raised in
Early life
Owen F. Clark was born on September 16, 1867, in
Minor leagues (1887-88)
Clark began playing baseball professionally in 1887 with the
Washington Nationals (1889)
The
A peculiar accident happened to catcher Owen Clark, of the Washingtons, at Staten Island [home of the New York Giants at the time] Thursday. He didn't know his hand had been split till his glove filled with blood. He wondered where the blood came from and, taking off the glove, discovered a gash between the third and little fingers.[2][3]
The injury cost him playing time but did not keep him out for the rest of the season; Clark would play 38 games that season.
Buffalo Bisons (1890)
After the 1889 season, the Nationals folded.
With Buffalo, Clark was used mostly as an outfielder, but he played every position at least once during the season, even pitching in one game.[2][1] An August 9 story in Sporting Life related that "Owen Clark's first base playing has caught the crowds. He is deservedly a favorite."[6][2] For the second year in a row, Clark injured his hand while catching, this time splitting a finger while facing the Cleveland Infants. However, he managed to get into 69 games for the Bisons, as opposed to 38 the year before.[2] His last game with the ball club came on October 4.[1] Clark batted .265 with 45 runs scored, 69 hits, two home runs, 25 RBI, and eight stolen bases.[1]
Death and career statistics
The Players' League went defunct after just one season, and the Bisons franchise followed suit. In late 1890, Clark was diagnosed with tuberculosis. This prevented him from playing for any team in 1891. He died of the disease on February 8, 1892, in Brooklyn. His grave is located at the Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York.[2]
Clark played 107 total games during his two seasons in the major leagues. He batted .262, with 64 runs scored, 106 hits, five home runs, 47 RBI, and 16 stolen bases.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Spider Clark Stats". Baseball-Reference. Archived from the original on July 13, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4422-3639-4.
- ^ "Notes and Comments". Sporting Life. 8 May 1889. p. 4. Archived from the original on 30 March 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
- ^ "Washington Nationals Team History & Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ Bauer, John. "April 19, 1890: Debut of the Players League". SABR. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ "Buffalo Budget: Items". Sporting Life. 9 August 1890. p. 10. Archived from the original on 30 March 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors)