Will Clark, known affectionately as "Will the Thrill," became a beloved figure in Major League Baseball through his exceptional skills as a first baseman. Born on March 13, 1964, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Clark's journey to the major leagues began with a standout college career at Mississippi State University. His performance there caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his selection as the second overall pick by the San Francisco Giants in the 1985 MLB Draft.
Clark's major league debut came on April 8, 1986, and he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In his very first at-bat, he hit a home run off future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, signaling the start of an impressive rookie season. Clark finished his debut year with a .287 batting average, 11 home runs, and 41 RBIs, earning him a spot on the All-Rookie team.
Throughout his career, Clark was known for his sweet left-handed swing and his ability to perform in clutch situations. His tenure with the Giants was marked by consistent offensive production and solid defensive play. In 1987, he helped lead the team to the National League Championship Series (NLCS), where they fell to the St. Louis Cardinals. Clark's performance in the 1989 NLCS against the Chicago Cubs was particularly memorable; he batted .650 with two home runs and eight RBIs, earning the series MVP honors and propelling the Giants to the World Series.
Clark's time with the Giants saw him selected to five All-Star teams and win two Silver Slugger Awards. His best season arguably came in 1989 when he hit .333 with 23 home runs and 111 RBIs, finishing second in the National League MVP voting. Despite his efforts, the Giants were swept by the Oakland Athletics in the earthquake-interrupted World Series that year.
In 1994, Clark signed with the Texas Rangers, where he continued to be a productive player. Over five seasons with the Rangers, he maintained a batting average above .300 and provided veteran leadership to a team that was beginning to find its footing in the American League. Clark's presence helped the Rangers reach the postseason for the first time in franchise history in 1996.
After his stint with the Rangers, Clark joined the Baltimore Orioles in 1999. Although his time in Baltimore was brief, he continued to demonstrate his hitting prowess. In 2000, Clark was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he finished his career on a high note. Filling in for the injured Mark McGwire, Clark hit .345 with 12 home runs in just 51 games, helping the Cardinals reach the playoffs.
Clark announced his retirement at the end of the 2000 season, leaving behind a legacy of excellence at the plate and reliability in the field. Over his 15-year career, he amassed a .303 batting average, 2,176 hits, 284 home runs, and 1,205 RBIs. His performance in postseason play, particularly in the 1989 NLCS, remains a highlight of his career.
Beyond the statistics, Clark was admired for his competitive spirit and his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments.
⚾