Article: Crew Throwback: Brady Clark

[Matt Breen]

Brady Clark was a perfect Milwaukee Brewer. He was a gritty, blue-collar battler (overblown adjectives intended) who never would have been a major leaguer if talent was the only deciding factor. His potential was so underwhelming that he wasn't even drafted out of college. But he would spend parts of nine seasons in the majors, including four with Milwaukee.

Brady Clark was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1973. A right-handed hitter, Clark played outfield for San Diego State. He would be signed as an undrafted free agent by Cincinnati. He came up through the Reds system, hitting everywhere he went (.307 minor league BA). He made his major league debut in 2000 at age 27 and then spent the next three years bouncing between the minors and majors (mostly the minors).

But Clark's life would change when the Brewers plucked him off waivers in 2003. He was a 30-year-old journeyman outfielder who lacked the power to play corner outfield and the range to play center field.

Clark would spend only nine games at AAA before getting called up by Milwaukee. Initially, he was a reserve outfielder and pinch hitter, but as time went on, he found himself with more and more playing time, especially in right field.

Clark served as a part-time starter for two seasons, hitting .273 and .280, respectively. He improved his power numbers (modestly) and walk rate, prompting the Brewers to give Clark the center field job in 2005 after the club traded Scott Podsednik for Carlos Lee. Clark, playing full time in the majors for the first time at age 33, responded with an excellent season, batting .306 with a .372 OBP and a .798 OPS. His defense in center was solid, if unspectacular.

Alas, 2005 would be Clark's high watermark. His numbers would drop across the board in 2006, and before the 2007 season began, he was dealt to the Dodgers after being replaced by Bill Hall.

Brady would bounce between the Dodgers, Padres and Mets, and the minor leagues before wrapping up his playing days after the 2008 season. A brief comeback attempt in the spring of 2010 officially marked the end of his career.

For Milwaukee, Brady Clark was a good player in the years, leading to a return to relevance. His lack of speed and power always limited him, but he had a good eye at the plate and knew how to put the ball in play. His 2005 season was memorable, producing 2.8 fWAR / 2.4 bWAR in center while hitting .306 (10th in the NL). In his four years in Milwaukee, he produced a .284 BA and a .361 OBP while playing all three outfield positions. Not bad for a guy who was never drafted.

After retiring, Clark returned to Oregon (where he grew up) to raise his family and begin a career as an investment banker. Also, he stays involved with baseball by offering hitting instruction and clinics to individuals and groups.

Please share your memories of former Brewer outfielder Brady Clark.

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[pitchleague]

I always liked Brady Clark.  He was the epitome of an underachiever that "made it."  I wished him success and he had some, which is all anyone really wants when they aspire to be a big leaguer.  As a result, he has become a bit of a cult hero to some, and a player that is definitely not forgotten to others.

[pitchleague]

I always liked Brady Clark.  He was the epitome of an underachiever that "made it."  I wished him success and he had some, which is all anyone really wants when they aspire to be a big leaguer.  As a result, he has become a bit of a cult hero to some, and a player that is definitely not forgotten to others.

[homer]

This feels like an attempt to draw GenoSeligPrieb from the underworld.

[homer]

This feels like an attempt to draw GenoSeligPrieb from the underworld.

[Frisbee Slider]

The 2005 season when the Brewers finished .500 was such a fun year. That was an exciting offense with: Weeks, Fielder,  Hardy, Jenkins, Lee, Hall, Cirillo, good Wes Helms and yes, Brady Clark. 

[Frisbee Slider]

The 2005 season when the Brewers finished .500 was such a fun year. That was an exciting offense with: Weeks, Fielder,  Hardy, Jenkins, Lee, Hall, Cirillo, good Wes Helms and yes, Brady Clark.