Wes Covington (#484) was signed by the Boston Braves in 1952. Topps has omitted his minor-league statistics on this card. Wes played for various minor-league teams in the Braves' organization (missing 1954 due to military service), and made his major-league debut on April 19, 1956.
After backing up left field in 1956, Covington was the Braves' regular left fielder from 1957 through the 1960 season. His 2 best offensive years were 1957 and 1958.
1961 was a strange year for Covington. After coming off 4 seasons as the regular left fielder, he started 5 straight games in April, then a few weeks later was claimed off waivers by the White Sox. A month later he was traded to the Athletics. 3 weeks after that he was traded to the Phillies. He is in a rare group - having played for 4 teams in one season.
Wes got back on track with the Phillies, grabbing the regular left field job for the next 4 1/2 seasons, and batting over .300 in 1963.
After the 1965 season, he was traded to the Cubs for journeyman backup outfielder Doug Clemens, the second time in his career he appeared to be "dumped" for little or nothing in return.
After only 9 games with the Cubs, he was released on May 11th. Two weeks later, he was signed by the Dodgers, where he finished the season. His last action came in the 1966 World Series against the Orioles.
Lucky Wes went from the last place Cubs to the NL Champ Dodgers. Not a bad way to end a career.
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