Spider Clark

Owen F. "Spider" Clark (September 16, 1867 – February 8, 1892) was an American professional baseball player. He played two seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB): 1889 for the Washington Nationals of the National League and 1890 for the Buffalo Bisons of the Players' League. While he was primarily an outfielder, he played every position at least once, including one game as a pitcher for the Bisons. He was the first MLB player nicknamed "Spider."

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Clark started playing professional baseball in 1887. Signed by the Nationals in 1889, he made his MLB debut on May 2. An injury to his catching hand limited his playing time, but he appeared in 38 games for the team, batting .255. The team ceased to exist after the 1889 season, but Clark joined the Bisons of the newly formed Players' League for 1890. According to Sporting Life, his skill as a first baseman made him a favorite of the fans. He appeared in 69 games with Buffalo, batting .265, but his second season would be his last. Diagnosed with tuberculosis in late 1890, he missed the 1891 season because of the disease and died of it on February 8, 1892.

Early life Owen F. Clark was born on September 16, 1867, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents had immigrated to the United States from Ireland. The young Clark loved playing baseball. He would play the game at actual playing fields in Brooklyn, as well as on the street. It was in these settings that he developed the skills that would help him one day to play at the major league level.

Minor leagues (1887-88) Clark began playing baseball professionally in 1887 with the Nashville Blues of the Southern League, though he only appeared in three games with them.

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. In 1890, Clark signed with the Buffalo Bisons.

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. 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. His last game with the ball club came on October 4. Clark batted .265 with 45 runs scored, 69 hits, two home runs, 25 RBI, and eight stolen bases.

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.

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.