Jack Clark used to be one of the most feared right-handed sluggers in the National League.
Known as ‘the Ripper’, the four-time All-Star hit 340 home runs in an 18-year MLB career.
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Clark won the Silver Slugger Award in 1985 and 1987 while on the San Francisco Giants.
His reputation saw him walked 1,246 times by pitchers.
“One hell of a hitter, he puts the fear of God in you when he comes up to bat,” said his St. Louis Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog.
“He’s a good guy to have on your club, in your clubhouse.”
Earning over $10million in his career, Clark could have been set for life.
But in 1992 – in the middle of a three-year $8.7million contract with the Boston Red Sox – he ended up filing for bankruptcy in 1992 with $6.7million debts.
The batter’s love for fast cars was behind his financial struggles.
Clark set up his own drag-racing business, which he lost along with a $2.4million California mansion.
His outrageous car collection also had to go.
According to Sports Illustrated, a $700,000 1990 Ferrari F-40 was the highlight of a fleet of 18, which also included a 1989 Ferrari Mondial, and 1992 Mercedes 500 SL Coupe – each worth over $100,000.
“This shows everybody what can happen to you if you don’t manage your money well,” Clark said at the time. “I did it to myself.”
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Clark’s stance has changed since and he put some of the blame on financial advisors.
“I take some of the blame, but I was a victim,” he said.
“I didn’t know any better. I was a ballplayer. I drove a race car. I’m not a financial wizard, but you learn from things like that.
“I wish I knew then a lot about what I know now.”
Clark bounced back in the years that followed, working as the president of a marketing company set up by a friend and picking up endorsement deals.
The son of a Pennsylvania coal miner, he sat down with the Dallas Morning News in 1997 and described himself as “an average guy who never changed.”
Asked if he regretted anything, the answer was emphatic.
“Nothing. Everything couldn’t be better,” he said.
“I have the things I need in my life. Nice home, nice cars, nice motorcycles, great kids, great wife, very cool dog. I don’t know how much more there is.”
The pick of his later car collection – a ’55 Chevy that is as old as he is.
“Everybody gets caught up in that,” he explained. “But I had the cars because they were a direct reflection of me.”
Clark had his taste of life in the fast lane and learned some tough lessons along the way – but it sounds like he enjoyed the ride.
