Remembering "Ace" Parker

The Virginian-Pilot reported today that Hall of Famer and Portsmouth, Virginia-native Clarence "Ace" Parker has died. Parker is most well known for his football exploits and being a member of one of the early classes of the Professional Football Hall of Hame. Parker, however, also excelled at several other sports, including baseball. Long before anyone had heard of Bo Jackson or Dieon Sanders, Parker set the standard is several different sports.

During World War II, he played on the Norfolk Naval Training Station baseball team. Overshadowed in the press by the likes of Bob Feller, Sam Chapam, and other Major Leaguers, Parker was a pivotal member of the NTS Nine.
More about Parker, the NTS Nine, and Naval Station Norfolk's McClure Field can be found at our website, http://www.history.navy.mil/museums/hrnm/interactive/mcclure/index.htm.