Hall of Fame Professional Football Player, Major League Baseball Player. Born Clarence McKay Parker, he was a highly-versatile athlete who participated in basketball, track, golf and baseball, in addition to football during his years at Wilson High School in Virginia. He continued his athletic excellence at Duke University, where he achieved All-American status while playing the tailback position. Parker also made his mark as both a punter and return specialist. He was selected by the Brooklyn Dodgers during the 2nd round of the 1937 NFL Draft. Additionally, he signed with the Philadelphia Athletics and played two seasons of Major League Baseball with them (1937 and 1938). He marked his big league debut with the Athletics on April 24, 1937 as a pinch runner and belted a home run in his first at bat a few days later. Parker's NFL career was memorable during his five seasons with Brooklyn (1937 to 1941). At the quarterback position, he led the league with 865 passing yards in 1938 and earned league MVP honors in 1940. He achieved All-NFL status twice (1938 and 1940). His career was interrupted while he served with the United States Navy during World War II. Upon his return home, he played one season with the Boston Yanks (1946) and concluded his professional football career with the New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference in 1947. Parker went onto serve a lengthy tenure with Duke University as their baseball head coach, in addition to serving as an assistant on their football coaching staff. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955 and enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Hall of Fame Professional Football Player, Major League Baseball Player. Born Clarence McKay Parker, he was a highly-versatile athlete who participated in basketball, track, golf and baseball, in addition to football during his years at Wilson High School in Virginia. He continued his athletic excellence at Duke University, where he achieved All-American status while playing the tailback position. Parker also made his mark as both a punter and return specialist. He was selected by the Brooklyn Dodgers during the 2nd round of the 1937 NFL Draft. Additionally, he signed with the Philadelphia Athletics and played two seasons of Major League Baseball with them (1937 and 1938). He marked his big league debut with the Athletics on April 24, 1937 as a pinch runner and belted a home run in his first at bat a few days later. Parker's NFL career was memorable during his five seasons with Brooklyn (1937 to 1941). At the quarterback position, he led the league with 865 passing yards in 1938 and earned league MVP honors in 1940. He achieved All-NFL status twice (1938 and 1940). His career was interrupted while he served with the United States Navy during World War II. Upon his return home, he played one season with the Boston Yanks (1946) and concluded his professional football career with the New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference in 1947. Parker went onto serve a lengthy tenure with Duke University as their baseball head coach, in addition to serving as an assistant on their football coaching staff. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955 and enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Bio by: C.S.
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