The back: That first win of the season was in Detroit, so the blurb might well match up with the top photo. Clay got the win despite not pitching all that great (3 runs on 7 hits in 5.2 innings). He was helped a lot by the Rangers offense, which knocked out Jack Morris after two innings and scored in eight of the nine innings of play, with a 12-5 final score.
The player: Ken Clay was one of the most prominent examples of a young player falling victim to George Steinbrenner's wrath. Clay was a highly touted prospect who struggled in his time with the Bronx, and apparently was unwilling or unable to take advice from managers, players or coaches. It was Clay that Steinbrenner famously said "spit the bit", a horseracing term for a horse that chokes during a race. Clay was no better in brief stints in the lower-pressure environments of Texas and Seattle, posting ERAs well over four for both teams.
The man: Clay had numerous legal troubles after his playing career, with many arrests for DUI and grand larceny. He eventually served five years in prison. He is now living in his home city of Lynchburg, VA, and at last report had a cell phone business.
My collection: I have ten of his cards, from 1978 to 1982. I would be interested in trading for 1992 WIZ Yankees of the '70s #34.
How on Earth were you able to determine that photo was at Tiger Stadium? Other than wearing the road baby blues, what clued you in?
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many players there are in this set that I'm completely unfamiliar with.
ReplyDeleteGeez, I didn't know Ken Clay went off the rails.
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