Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tony Clark

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 17, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tony Clark made an impact.

Anthony Christopher "Tony" Clark is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played from 1995 to 2009. Following his playing career, he transitioned into an executive role, becoming the sixth executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) in 2013. He is the first former player to hold the position of executive director.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1990: Drafted by Detroit Tigers

In 1990, Tony Clark was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the second overall pick in the MLB draft after graduating high school.

1995: Started MLB Career

In 1995, Tony Clark began his Major League Baseball (MLB) career as a first baseman.

1995: Joined Detroit Tigers

In 1995, Tony Clark began playing with the Detroit Tigers.

1999: Attended Executive Board Meeting

In 1999, Tony Clark attended his first executive board meeting for the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA).

2002: Involved in Collective Bargaining

In 2002, Tony Clark actively participated in the union's collective bargaining.

2002: Traded to Boston Red Sox

In 2002, the Detroit Tigers placed Tony Clark on waivers due to his eligibility for salary arbitration and expected $7 million salary, and he was claimed by the Boston Red Sox. During the 2002 season, Clark's performance for Boston included a .207 batting average, 29 RBIs, and three home runs.

2003: Signed with New York Mets

In 2003, after becoming a free agent, Tony Clark signed a one-year contract with the New York Mets, where he batted .232.

2004: Signed with Arizona Diamondbacks

After the 2004 season, Tony Clark signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2004: Played for New York Yankees

In 2004, Tony Clark played for the New York Yankees, filling in for Jason Giambi. On August 28, 2004, Clark hit a career-high three home runs in a game against the Blue Jays.

2006: Involved in Collective Bargaining

In 2006, Tony Clark actively participated in the union's collective bargaining.

2007: Shared First Base with Conor Jackson

In 2007, Tony Clark shared first base duties with Conor Jackson, playing in 113 games and batting .249.

February 10, 2008: Signed with San Diego Padres

On February 10, 2008, Tony Clark signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres for $900,000.

July 17, 2008: Traded back to Diamondbacks

On July 17, 2008, Tony Clark was traded back to the Diamondbacks for minor league pitcher Evan Scribner, waiving a $500,000 clause in his Padres contract to complete the trade.

2008: Filed for Free Agency

After the 2008 season, Tony Clark filed for free agency.

2008: Post-Season Series

Through 2008, Tony Clark played in four post-season series, two each for the Yankees and the Diamondbacks, batting .135 with one RBI in 37 at-bats.

January 2, 2009: Signed One-Year Deal with Diamondbacks

On January 2, 2009, Tony Clark signed a one-year deal worth $800,000 to remain with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

July 12, 2009: Released by Diamondbacks

On July 12, 2009, the Diamondbacks released Tony Clark, who was batting .182 with four home runs and 11 RBIs. They replaced him with Whitesell. Clark considered broadcasting and coaching.

March 2010: Hired as MLBPA Director of Player Relations

In March 2010, Tony Clark was hired as the MLBPA's Director of Player Relations.

2010: Joined MLBPA Staff

In 2010, after retiring as a player, Tony Clark joined the staff of the MLBPA.

December 2013: Appointed Executive Director

In December 2013, Tony Clark was appointed executive director of the MLBPA following Michael Weiner's death, becoming the first former player to hold the position.

December 2013: Voted Executive Director of MLBPA

In December 2013, Tony Clark was unanimously voted executive director of Major League Baseball Players Association, following the death of Michael Weiner. He became the first former major league player to hold the position.