San Francisco Giants: Bonds Not Deserving Of Franchise Four Nod

Mar 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants coach Will Clark looks on against the Colorado Rockies at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Will Clark (1986-1993)

Will “The Thrill” Clark was about as far from thrilling as one could get. He wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t boisterous. He didn’t jump up and down and beat his chest, demanding that you tell him how great he is. Clark simply went out, worked hard, did his job, and put together a fantastic career – one that many argue, should have gotten him a little more Hall of Fame consideration than he got.

San Francisco Giants

Clark spent eight years with the Giants, putting up a .299 batting average and belting 176 home runs for the club. He also drove in 709 runs, had 247 doubles, and 37 triples to go along with it. During his time in San Francisco, Clark compiled a .373 on base percentage, and a .499 slugging percentage.

But it was his defense that was his real calling card. In his eight seasons with the Giants, Clark posted a fielding percentage no lower than .988, committing 14 errors on 1,180 chances. He was as sure handed and steady in the field as he was at the plate.

It’s telling that Clark’s heyday was during a time when steroids were running rampant and nobody was checking. He had naturally smooth swing, a terrific eye, and put up some consistent numbers. Clark’s power numbers though, surely would have benefited from a little extra juice – perhaps benefited enough that he would be in Cooperstown right now. But Clark abstained from all of it and continued to play the right way.

Clark was a consummate professional, and most definitely one of the best players to put on a Giants uniform.

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