History of Tony Clark in Timeline

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

June 15, 1972: Anthony Christopher Clark Born

On June 15, 1972, Anthony Christopher Clark was born. He would become a professional baseball player and executive.

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.

1991: Top Scorer at San Diego State

In 1991, Tony Clark was the San Diego State Aztecs' top scorer, averaging 11.5 points per game.

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.

1996: Rookie of the Year Voting

In 1996, Tony Clark finished third in Rookie of the Year voting, hitting .250 with 27 home runs.

1997: Productive Season in 1997

In 1997, Tony Clark had a productive season with 32 home runs and 117 RBIs, while making 10 errors at first base.

1998: Productive Season in 1998

In 1998, Tony Clark hit 34 home runs and had 103 RBIs, with 13 errors at first base.

1999: Attended Executive Board Meeting

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

1999: Productive Season in 1999

In 1999, Tony Clark recorded 31 home runs and 99 RBIs, with 10 errors at first base.

2001: All-Star Selection

In 2001, Tony Clark was selected as an All-Star player.

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.

2005: Productive Season with Diamondbacks

In 2005, Tony Clark hit .307 with 30 home runs and 87 RBIs for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2006: Involved in Collective Bargaining

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

2006: Injured Season

In 2006, Tony Clark was injured for most of the season and had a career-low batting average of .197.

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: 2008 Season Performance

In 2008, Tony Clark batted .225 with a .318 slugging percentage between the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks, struggling against right-handed pitchers and striking out frequently.

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.

2009: End of 15-year Career

In 2009, Tony Clark concluded his 15-year baseball career, having played for several teams including the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres.

2009: Opening Day Performance

In 2009, Tony Clark had a good performance on Opening Day, hitting 2 home runs, with teammate Felipe López, leading the D-backs to a victory over the Colorado Rockies, the first teammates to homer from both sides of the plate on Opening Day.

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.

April 2013: Close to Earning History Degree

In April 2013, it was reported that Tony Clark was close to earning a degree in history and planned to potentially pursue a Juris Doctor degree.

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.