Larker played in the Minor Leagues even before 1950. He reached the majors in 1958 with the Dodgers –the first season that they played in Los Angeles–, spending four years with them before moving to the Houston Colt .45\'s (1962), Milwaukee Braves (1963), and San Francisco Giants (1963).\n', '

As a 27-year-old rookie, Larker hit .277 with a .427 slugging percentage in 99 games for the Dodgers, mostly as an outfielder. He later became the regular first baseman for the team in replacement of Gil Hodges.\n', '

His most productive season came in 1960, when he finished second in the National League batting race with a .323 average, which was edged out by MVP Dick Groat\'s .325. Larker also finished ahead of Willie Mays (.319), Roberto Clemente (.314) and Ken Boyer (.304), and was selected to the All-Star Game.\n', '

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