Bobby Clark – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bobby Clark’s baseball career really captures what it’s like for a skilled defensive outfielder to grind out seven years in Major League Baseball during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Born Robert Cale Clark in Sacramento, California, he made a name for himself as a dependable fourth outfielder and defensive replacement with the California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers.

Clark retired from professional baseball in 1985 after his last appearance on August 4th against the Detroit Tigers. His journey through the big leagues showed the kind of determination and skill you need to hold onto a roster spot as a role player, especially as baseball started to value specialization more and more.

From his college days at UC Riverside to his breakout season in the minors, Clark’s path to the majors shows how talent and persistence can open doors, even for guys who never become household names. Honestly, his story gives a glimpse into the life of a pro athlete whose value went beyond the numbers—he was a solid teammate during his time with two American League teams.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Robert Cale Clark was born on June 13, 1955, in Sacramento, California. He developed his baseball skills through high school and college ball.

His amateur days included standout performances at Perris High School and then at Riverside City College. Those years led to several draft opportunities.

Birth and Family Background

Robert Cale Clark entered the world on June 13, 1955, in Sacramento, California. He later became known as Bobby Clark throughout his baseball career.

He grew up in Southern California during the 1960s and early 1970s, and his family eventually settled in Riverside County. That’s where he went to high school.

Sacramento, his hometown, sits in a region with a deep baseball tradition. California has produced loads of major league players, so young athletes like Clark always had role models and tough competition.

High School and College Baseball

At Perris High School in Perris, California, Clark honed his baseball skills as an outfielder. Scouts noticed him early on thanks to his performance there.

After high school, he moved on to Riverside City College and kept playing ball. That community college gave him more chances to get better and let him stay close to home.

Clark then transferred to the University of California, Riverside, where he kept sharpening his skills. College gave him a chance to grow up a bit—on the field and off—while chasing his baseball dreams.

Those college years were big for his development. Playing against strong competition helped get him ready for pro ball.

Draft by the Chicago Cubs

The Houston Astros picked Clark in the 14th round of the 1973 MLB June Amateur Draft while he was still at Perris High School. He didn’t sign with Houston, though.

Instead, Clark decided to keep playing college ball and work on his game. That move probably helped him boost his draft status.

The California Angels later selected Clark in the 5th round of the 1975 MLB January Draft-Secondary Phase while he was at Riverside City College. That second draft shot, with a higher pick and better terms, convinced him to start his pro career with the Angels.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Bobby Clark debuted in Major League Baseball with the California Angels on August 21, 1979, at age 24. In his first season, he hit .296 in limited action, but the next few years got tougher as he tried to stick as a regular.

Joining the California Angels

The California Angels picked Bobby Clark in the eighth round of the 1976 amateur draft, 175th overall. The Chicago Cubs had drafted him after he played at UC Riverside, but he didn’t sign then.

Clark worked his way up through the minors for three seasons before finally getting his call to the majors. He played outfield in the Angels’ farm system.

When he reached the big leagues in August 1979, Clark was almost 25. That’s a bit older than most rookies, who usually debut in their early twenties.

First MLB Games and Performance

Clark’s major league debut came on August 21, 1979, against the Cleveland Indians. He didn’t get an official at-bat in his first game, probably coming in as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner.

He showed some promise at the plate as a rookie, batting .296 with 16 hits in 54 at-bats over 19 games. He had two doubles, two triples, and one home run, driving in five runs.

Clark mostly played left field that season, appearing in 15 games there. He also got some time in center and right field, showing he could handle all three spots.

His 1979 performance earned him a bigger role in 1980, but his sophomore season was rougher as he struggled to find consistency.

Career with California Angels

Bobby Clark played five seasons with the California Angels from 1979 to 1983. He built a reputation as a reliable outfielder during some competitive years for the franchise.

Key Seasons and Contributions

Clark debuted for the Angels on August 21, 1979, at age 24. He hit .296 in 19 games as a rookie, but didn’t get a ton of playing time.

The 1980 season was his first full year in the majors. He played in 78 games and had 275 plate appearances. His average dipped to .230, but he chipped in 5 home runs and 23 RBIs while gaining valuable experience in the outfield.

In 1981, Clark had his best statistical season. He hit .250 with 4 home runs and 19 RBIs in 34 games, and his .432 slugging percentage was his best with the Angels.

In 1982 and 1983, Clark shifted into more of a utility role. He played 102 games in 1982 but hit just .211. In his final season with the Angels in 1983, he played 76 games, batted .231, and drove in 21 runs.

Notable Games and Postseason Appearances

The Angels had some strong teams during Clark’s time, but they didn’t make the postseason while he was there. Their best shot was in 1982 when they finished second in the AL West.

Clark had a few multi-hit games in 1979 and 1981. He played all three outfield positions, which made him useful off the bench.

Defensively, he posted a .978 fielding percentage as a rookie and showed solid range in the outfield. His ability to fill in at different spots kept him on the roster, even as his playing time dropped.

The Angels mostly used Clark as a fourth outfielder and pinch-hitter in 1982 and 1983. That limited role led to his trade to the Milwaukee Brewers after the 1983 season.

Milwaukee Brewers Years and Retirement

Clark joined the Milwaukee Brewers in 1984 after five years with the Angels. He spent two seasons with Milwaukee before retiring from pro baseball in August 1985.

Transition to the Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers picked up Bobby Clark in 1984, adding the outfielder to their roster for his final two seasons. Clark brought over his experience from the Angels.

He kept playing outfield for the Brewers and stuck to his role as a center fielder. The team leaned on his defense in the outfield, and his batting and power numbers stayed pretty much in line with his earlier seasons.

Final Seasons and Retirement in 1985

Clark’s last MLB seasons came with Milwaukee in 1984 and 1985. His final game was on August 4, 1985, against the Detroit Tigers. In that final appearance, he had one at-bat and didn’t get a hit.

He retired at age 30 after seven seasons in the majors. Over his career, Clark hit 19 home runs and drove in 100 runs.

He wrapped up his career with a .239 batting average in 396 games. Clark played his final season knowing it would be his last go-round in pro baseball. The 1985 season closed the book on a journey that started back in 1979.

Statistical Highlights and Playing Style

Bobby Clark played seven seasons in the majors from 1979 to 1985, finishing with a .239 average, 19 home runs, and 100 RBIs in 396 games. He earned his keep with his versatility in the outfield and steady defense for both the Angels and Brewers in the early ’80s.

Career Batting Statistics

Clark’s numbers at the plate reflected his job as a utility guy, not a star. He posted a .239 average, a .281 on-base percentage, and a .347 slugging percentage for his career.

His best season came in 1979 with the Angels. In 19 games, he batted .296 with a .819 OPS, collecting 16 hits in 54 at-bats with 2 doubles, 2 triples, and a home run.

In 1980, he got the most playing time. Clark played 78 games but hit only .230 with 60 hits in 261 at-bats, and his OPS dropped to .498.

With Milwaukee in 1984, he showed a bit of improvement, batting .260 with a .687 OPS in 58 games. His 1985 season was short, just 29 games before he called it quits.

Home Runs and RBI Milestones

Clark never put up huge power numbers, which was pretty common for utility players in the early ’80s. He hit 19 home runs in his career, most of them with the Angels.

His most productive power year was 1981. Even though he played only 34 games, he managed 4 home runs and 19 RBIs. That was his best single-season home run mark.

He drove in a career-high 21 runs in 1983 over 76 games. Across seven seasons, he averaged about 14 RBIs per year.

Most of his home runs—17 out of 19—came while he was with the Angels. He hit just 2 home runs during his two years in Milwaukee.

Positions Played and Fielding

Clark’s defensive flexibility made him a valuable outfielder. He played left field, center field, and right field throughout his career.

His fielding numbers showed he was steady with the glove. In 1979, he posted a .978 fielding percentage across all outfield spots. His range factor was 2.37 per game, just a hair above the league average.

In 1980, he proved his durability in center field, playing 607.1 innings over 77 games with a .982 fielding percentage. He made 213 putouts and 6 assists that year.

Clark could fill in anywhere in the outfield. He even posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in left field in 1979, though he didn’t play there a ton.

Legacy, Notable Achievements, and Collectibles

Bobby Clark’s seven seasons in the majors left a mark thanks to his reliable defense and some memorable baseball cards from the 1980s. He’s still remembered by baseball fans and card collectors decades after he hung up his spikes.

Honors and Awards

Bobby Clark stood out mostly for his defensive skills as an outfielder with the California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers. People in the baseball world mainly remember his minor league performance in 1978 with the El Paso Diablos.

That year, Clark hit .316, blasted 31 home runs, and racked up 111 RBIs. Those numbers caught attention and got him to the majors the next season.

In the big leagues, Clark filled the role of fourth outfielder and defensive replacement. He posted a .239 career batting average, with 19 home runs and 100 RBIs in 396 games.

Managers trusted Clark when they needed solid defense. His right-handed bat and arm gave teams options in late-inning situations.

1984 Topps and Other Baseball Cards

Bobby Clark showed up on plenty of baseball cards during his career, so collectors know his face well. Companies like Topps and Fleer featured him in both Angels and Brewers uniforms.

The 1984 Topps card, in particular, gets a lot of attention from collectors. Most cards from his playing days show him in either a California Angels or Milwaukee Brewers jersey.

Clark made appearances on Pacific Coast League cards too, like the 1985 Cramer Pacific Coast League card, number 204. These minor league cards seem especially prized by die-hard collectors.

Card values for Clark’s memorabilia depend a lot on condition and rarity. Rookie cards and ones from his best seasons usually fetch the highest prices among baseball card fans.

Impact on Baseball Communities

Clark influenced more than just the stat sheets. He showed up for his team and made a real mark in the community.

From 1979 to 1985, he kept a steady spot on MLB rosters. That kind of consistency brought stability to both franchises.

Clark mentored younger players as a defensive specialist. He really helped shape team chemistry.

Teammates and coaches respected his work ethic and professional attitude. You could tell he took the game seriously.

At UC Riverside, Clark made his mark as a standout alumnus in their baseball program. His achievements inspired future Highlanders to chase their own professional dreams.

He spent seven years in the MLB, and even though he never made an All-Star team, he proved that role players matter. Clark’s career showed how specialized skills and dependability can leave a lasting impression.