REMEMBERING THE BUZZ ABOUT JACK CLARK

 

In the mid-1980s, Jack Clark was a name synonymous with power hitting and fierce competitiveness. Known for his formidable presence at the plate, Clark drew significant attention from several teams, including the New York Yankees. The Yankees, under the leadership of the notoriously demanding owner George Steinbrenner, were always in search of players who could bring immediate impact, and Clark fit the bill perfectly.  The Yankees' interest in Clark intensified in the winter of 1987. George Steinbrenner, never one to shy away from making bold moves, was vocal about his desire to bring Clark to the Bronx. Steinbrenner was quoted saying, "Jack Clark is the kind of player who can change the dynamic of our lineup. He's a proven power hitter and a fierce competitor. That's exactly what we need." (New York Times, 1987).

The meetings between Clark's representatives and the Yankees were intense. Reports from that period indicate that Steinbrenner was personally involved in the negotiations, a testament to how highly he regarded Clark. The Yankees were eager to bolster their lineup with Clark's power, hoping it would be the missing piece to reclaiming their dominance in the American League.

Jack Clark officially joined the New York Yankees on January 6, 1988, signing a two-year contract worth $3 million. The signing was met with considerable excitement and high expectations. Steinbrenner remarked, "With Jack in our lineup, we're going to be a force to be reckoned with. He brings power, experience, and a winning mentality".

Clark's tenure with the Yankees, however, was mixed. In the 1988 season, he played 150 games, hitting .242 with 27 home runs and 93 RBIs. While these numbers were respectable, they fell short of the astronomical expectations placed upon him. Clark's presence in the lineup did provide some much-needed power, but it was not enough to lead the Yankees to postseason success. Injuries also plagued him during his time in New York, limiting his overall effectiveness.

The Yankees sought Jack Clark to address their need for a power hitter who could provide protection in the lineup and drive in runs. At the time, the Yankees were struggling to find consistent power and production, and Clark was seen as a solution. "We needed someone who could drive in runs and make pitchers think twice," said then-Yankees manager Billy Martin.

Jack Clark's stint with the Yankees was short-lived. After the 1988 season, he was traded to the San Diego Padres in a multi-player deal. The move was partly due to financial considerations and partly due to the Yankees' shifting priorities. Steinbrenner, reflecting on the trade, commented, "We had high hopes for Jack, but sometimes things don't work out as planned. We wish him all the best in San Diego." 

After leaving the Yankees, Clark continued to play in the majors until 1992, with stops in San Diego and Boston. His post-Yankees career saw a decline in his power numbers, but he remained a respected veteran presence.

Clark himself had mixed feelings about his time with the Yankees. In a later interview, he stated, "Playing in New York is like nowhere else. The expectations are sky-high, and the pressure is immense. I enjoyed my time there, but it was challenging. The fans are passionate, and George Steinbrenner is a unique character. He always wanted the best, and sometimes that made things tough." 

Jack Clark's tenure with the Yankees may not have lived up to the grand expectations, but it remains a notable chapter in both his career and the Yankees' history. The buzz surrounding his arrival, the high hopes of Steinbrenner, and the subsequent ups and downs of his performance highlight the unpredictable nature of baseball and the pressures of playing in New York.

--Alvin Izzo

BYB Yankee History Contributor