Dave Clark Story
- 1. Dave Clarks story is an astonishing blend of fact and fact. It only reads like 鍖ction, but one could never make up the battles he has waged, the obstacles he has overcome, the victories that were 鍖nally his." Mike Veeck, Baseball Executive and son of the legendary promoter Bill Veeck
- 2. Dave is a 鍖ne 鍖elder and handles himself well. He is a keen student of the game and makes up for his handicap by determination and hustle. I would like to have nine boys on my team with his hustle and his ability to learn quickly. Phil Ritz, Daves 鍖rst Little League coach. Excerpts from a Corning, NY newspaper interview regarding Dave.
- 3. In 1984 Dave purchased the historic Indianapolis Clowns. His pitching days were over, but Dave continued his remarkable baseball career as the owner, manager and 鍖rst baseman for the Clowns. 1988 marks the last year for this historic team, making it the last team to play with its origins from the Negro League. Famous Indianapolis Clowns include, Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, and of course... Dave Clark.
- 4. In 1996 Dave received a national Giant Steps Award for coaching, sponsored by Northeastern Universitys Center for the Study of Sport in Society. It was presented at a dinner in Boston. - A few months later, President Bill Clinton welcomed the award winners to the White House.
- 5. In 1999 Dave received the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Associations National Heroes of Sports Award, which was presented at a breakfast in Atlanta, Georgia. Most of the 鍖nancial award was donated to the Corning YMCA to continue operating the Southern Tier Baseball Camp for the Physically and Mentally Challenged, which Dave started with long time friend Sal Tombasco in 1991. Presenting the award was Dick Shaap.
- 6. Mr. Clark instructing while perched on his Pride scooter, coaching, and motivating young baseball players. Dave resisted using a scooter for a long time, a story you may hear at one of his motivational events. Now with age and wisdom, this has become a common scene for Dave. The scooter is the perfect height for him too lean against to help bare the load while standing during lessons, or a motivational speech. But beware, Dave thinks his scooter is an all-terrain vehicle.
- 7. Focus... Lots of focus. OK, its hard enough to throw strikes, then try doing it from crutches. Make it even more dif鍖cult by throwing the hardest pitch to control; the knuckleball, which 鍖utters in the wind randomly. But wait, look closely at this picture, and how Dave holds his glove. Daves left arm was also effected by polio. He pitched, and caught with his right hand. Seamlessly, Dave would throw and then put his right hand into his glove to be ready to 鍖eld. Maybe this is why Mike Veeck said that Daves story reads like 鍖ction.
- 8. The Goalie Who Couldnt Skate! Baseball was not the only sport for Dave Clark. He never played professionally, however he did play for Ithaca College. David Gronski, in the picture above pulling Dave across the ice said; If you played with him or against him (and stood in front of the crease) it made no difference to Dave, you still got hit in the legs for standing there. I thought about at times putting a sign on the back of my legs that said (TEAMMATE).
- 10. Hitting Stats The DH in the minor leagues was not in use in 1971 when Dave signed his 鍖rst contract in the Pirates organization. His average was still above .250... Amazing!!! It takes the average baseball player about 4 seconds to run from home to 鍖rst. For Dave Clark it was 11 seconds. The fact that he had any hits and some RBIs as well is quite remarkable. Dave however does have the honor of being thrown out from left 鍖eld.
- 11. Read this book and wonder, Could I do that?? Read it and celebrate the human spirit. Re鍖ect and marvel at the dignity of man, the strength of character, the ultimate joy of a life well lived. My favorite Part of the book? Thats easy. Remember that beautiful woman? Well, Dave married her, proving hes not as dumb as I have sometimes accused him of being. Then they went and had two beautiful children so that this wonderful story couldnt help but have a happy ending. Im just glad I got a peek or two inside. Youll be glad too. - Mike Veeck