Wednesday, July 30, 2014

1974 Profile: Horace Clarke

"There's a modern expression used to describe one who does his job, has great pride, and continues onward. It's 'keep on truckin',' and Horace Clarke is the 'keep on truckin' ' man of the Yankees.
Here's a quiet, private gentleman from the Virgin Islands who has played a steady brand of baseball for the Yankees as a nine-year veteran. While best known as an offensive ballplayer always on base, always a threat to steal, and always around the .265 mark, Horace has also set a proud fielding mark, leading the league's second basemen in assists for six consecutive seasons. Only Hall of Famer Charlie Gehringer, with seven (but not consecutive), ever did it more. Horace has also twice led the league in double plays, has twice led the league in at-bats, and is rapidly moving towards the all-time top five in the Yankee stolen base listings.
Horace's first two home runs in the big leagues were both grand slams, something he still rates as his biggest thrill in the game. But Horace isn't one bent towards thrills or excitement. He just goes out and does his job - keeps on truckin' towards the betterment of the Yankees."

-The New York Yankees Official 1974 Yearbook

"Hoss has been the Yankees' regular second baseman for the past seven seasons. In six of those years (1967-1972), he led the league in assists. Only Charlie Gehringer, Detroit's Hall of Fame second baseman, has led the league more times (seven). Originally signed as a shortstop, Clarke has played three infield positions with the Yankees, including 63 games at shortstop in 1966, before replacing Bobby Richardson.
One of the best baserunners in the game, Horace has 150 lifetime stolen bases, which is sixth on the all-time Yankee list.
Although not known for his power hitting, his first two homers in the major leagues were grand slams. A pesky hitter, he broke up three no-hitters in the ninth inning within one month during the 1970 season, as he spoiled no-hit bids by Joe Niekro, Sonny Siebert and Jim Rooker."

-1974 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide

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