Donn Clendenon – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Donn Clendenon wrapped up his baseball career in 1972 with the St. Louis Cardinals. His road to retirement was anything but typical.

The towering first baseman spent 12 seasons in Major League Baseball. He put up a .274 batting average, 159 home runs, and 682 RBIs in 1,362 games.

He bounced from Pittsburgh to Montreal, then New York, and finally St. Louis. Each stop left a mark on his legacy in its own way.

Clendenon’s story really stands out because he briefly retired in March 1969, then came back seven months later as the World Series MVP for the “Miracle Mets.” That twist turned him from a solid veteran into a World Series hero.

The 6’4″ power hitter delivered a clutch performance in October 1969. That moment ended up defining his career and, honestly, overshadowed his earlier years with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Off the field, Clendenon’s life was just as interesting. He went to law school, started businesses, and gave back to his community.

His mix of athletic achievement and professional success outside baseball made him a fascinating figure in sports history. From his days at Morehouse College to his final at-bat in 1972, Clendenon’s story reflected both the opportunities and challenges for players during baseball’s integration era.

Donn Clendenon’s Early Life and Education

Donn Clendenon was born July 15, 1935, in Neosho, Missouri. He grew up in a family that valued education and, later on, baseball.

Atlanta shaped his character. He thrived academically at Morehouse College and got guidance from mentors like Martin Luther King Jr.

Family Background and Upbringing

Donn lost his father, Claude Wendell Clendenon, to leukemia when he was just six months old. That early tragedy left a mark.

Claude was no ordinary dad—he had a double Ph.D. in mathematics and philosophy. He taught and chaired the mathematics department at Langston University, an all-black college in Oklahoma.

Donn’s mother moved the family to Atlanta and took a job at the Scripto Pen Company. When Donn turned six, she remarried Nish Williams, a successful restaurateur and former Negro League catcher.

Williams stepped in as a father figure. He played 13 years in the Negro Leagues, mostly with the Nashville/Columbus/Washington Elite Giants. He also coached the Atlanta Black Crackers and volunteered as an assistant coach at Morehouse College.

The family restaurant turned into a hangout for retired and active ballplayers. Legends like Satchel Paige, Roy Campanella, and Jackie Robinson dropped by.

Academic Achievements and Athletics at Morehouse College

Clendenon finished high school at 15. A single B-plus kept him from being valedictorian.

He had plans for UCLA, but Morehouse professors convinced him to stay nearby. His family agreed—a 16-year-old heading across the country for college seemed like a stretch.

At Morehouse, Clendenon excelled in the classroom and on the field. He attended on an academic scholarship and, at first, resisted sports to carve his own path.

That didn’t last long. He joined the football team as a backup punter. On his first play, he faked a punt and ran 55 yards for a touchdown.

Clendenon took pride in being a “Morehouse man.” He believed that most African-American doctors and lawyers in the U.S. came from Morehouse.

Mentorship and Influences

Martin Luther King Jr. acted as Clendenon’s “big brother” at Morehouse. The mentorship program usually paired upperclassmen with freshmen.

King had already graduated but volunteered because the King and Clendenon families were close. He helped Donn get settled with regular dinners at the King home.

When King was busy, Clendenon could talk with Martin Luther King Sr., Coretta Scott King, or Christine King. The family gave him both advice and home-cooked meals.

Clendenon’s classmates included Maynard Jackson, a future Atlanta mayor, who started college at 15. Excellence and high expectations were just part of the Morehouse atmosphere.

Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson influenced Clendenon’s choice to play baseball instead of football. At a 1956 banquet, Rickey argued that baseball was safer than football.

Nish Williams stayed Clendenon’s primary baseball mentor. Williams coached him on the semipro Atlanta Black Crackers during summers and offered guidance about the pros.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Donn Clendenon’s MLB career lasted from 1961 to 1972. He started with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he became a power-hitting first baseman.

In 1968, the Montreal Expos picked him in the expansion draft. He found his greatest success with the New York Mets during their wild 1969 championship run.

Pittsburgh Pirates Years

Clendenon debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 22, 1961. He’d spent five seasons in the minors before getting the call-up at age 26.

During his 1962 rookie season, Clendenon hit .302 with seven home runs and 28 RBIs in 80 games. He finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting, just behind Ken Hubbs of the Cubs.

The Pirates showed faith in Clendenon by trading away first baseman Dick Stuart to Boston after the 1962 season. That move cleared the way for Clendenon to take over.

From 1963 to 1968, Clendenon became a key part of Pittsburgh’s offense. He drove in 96 runs in 1965 and 98 runs in 1966, hitting alongside Willie Stargell and Roberto Clemente.

Clendenon also earned a reputation as a “free swinger.” He led the National League in strikeouts in 1963 and 1968, and ranked near the top in other years.

Montreal Expos and the Expansion Draft

With prospect Al Oliver on the rise, the Pirates left Clendenon unprotected for the 1968 expansion draft. The Montreal Expos picked him to help build their first roster.

The Expos immediately tried to trade Clendenon. On January 22, 1969, Montreal sent him and Jesús Alou to the Houston Astros for star outfielder Rusty Staub.

Clendenon refused to go to Houston. He’d played under Astros manager Harry Walker in Pittsburgh and considered Walker racist. Clendenon threatened to retire rather than join the Astros.

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn stepped in and forced the trade, ordering Montreal to send extra compensation to Houston. Clendenon ended up playing for Montreal, joining the team on April 19, 1969.

His stint with the Expos didn’t last long. In 38 games, he batted .240 with four home runs and 14 RBIs before getting traded again.

New York Mets Acquisition

The New York Mets got Clendenon on June 15, 1969. They sent Steve Renko, Kevin Collins, and two minor leaguers to Montreal in the deal.

At the time, the Mets sat in second place, nine games behind the Cubs in the National League East.

Clendenon’s numbers with the Mets started off slow, not much better than his Montreal stats. He split time at first base with Ed Kranepool, but his batting average eventually began to climb.

His impact showed up during the Mets’ late-season push. On August 30, Clendenon hit a 10th-inning homer against the Giants for a 3-2 win.

When the Cubs came to Shea Stadium for a crucial series on September 8, Clendenon stepped up. He hit a two-run homer in a 7-1 win on September 9, helping the Mets close the gap.

On September 24, Clendenon’s bat sealed the National League East division title. He hit a three-run homer and a solo shot against the Cardinals as the Mets clinched their first division championship.

1969 New York Mets and Miracle Mets Season

After joining the Mets in June 1969, Donn Clendenon became the missing piece. His veteran presence and clutch hitting helped the Mets erase a nine-game deficit and win both the National League East and the World Series.

Key Contributions During Regular Season

The Mets traded for Clendenon on June 15, 1969, when they trailed the Cubs by nine games. He arrived in New York hitting just .240 in 33 games with Montreal.

Clendenon brought what the Mets needed—a right-handed power bat for their lineup. The 33-year-old first baseman also brought veteran leadership to a young team.

Manager Gil Hodges kept shuffling the lineup. Despite all the changes, Clendenon adapted quickly. He played in 72 games for the Mets during the regular season.

His final numbers with New York:

• Batting Average: .252
• Home Runs: 12
• RBIs: 37
• Runs Scored: 31
• On-Base Percentage: .321

National League East Pennant Race

The Mets’ amazing turnaround started soon after Clendenon’s arrival. They overcame the nine-game gap with consistent play and strong pitching.

Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman led the pitching staff. Nolan Ryan pitched important innings, and Tug McGraw became a reliable reliever.

Clendenon’s steady production fit right in with the pitching. His veteran presence helped younger players like Cleon Jones handle the pressure. The Mets ended up winning the division by eight games.

The Cubs collapsed in the second half, and the Cardinals faded too. New York’s mix of pitching depth and timely hitting just proved too much for the rest of the division.

Teammate Interactions and Team Dynamics

Art Shamsky, one of Clendenon’s teammates, praised his impact. “When Donn came here in June, he was really valuable to the team and our effort to win the World Series,” Shamsky said.

Gil Hodges managed with a different approach. He rotated players a lot to get the most out of everyone. Some players found it frustrating, but it worked.

“We were all in a situation that it was very difficult for all of us as individuals,” Shamsky added. “While we were all frustrated, the bottom line was it was working.”

Clendenon fit in fast with his new teammates. Buddy Harrelson, the Mets’ shortstop, noticed the change right away. “When we got him, we became a different team,” Harrelson said.

The veteran first baseman helped set a winning tone. His professionalism rubbed off on the young guys. Clendenon’s impact went beyond stats—he brought leadership and a strong clubhouse presence.

1969 World Series Triumph and Most Valuable Player

Donn Clendenon hit his peak during the 1969 World Series. He crushed three home runs and drove in four RBIs, helping the New York Mets beat the Baltimore Orioles in five games.

His clutch play earned him the World Series Most Valuable Player Award and secured his place in baseball history.

Series Performance Against Baltimore Orioles

Clendenon played a huge role in the Mets’ upset over the Orioles. He batted .357 in the series, going 5-for-14 at the plate.

He played in four of the five games. His three home runs came when the Mets needed them most.

Clendenon’s four RBIs powered the Mets to their first World Series title. The “Miracle Mets” had been heavy underdogs against Baltimore’s stacked roster.

Stat	Performance
Batting Average	.357
Hits	5
At-Bats	14
Home Runs	3
RBIs	4

The Orioles had won 109 games in the regular season. They featured a tough pitching staff led by Dave McNally and other top arms.

World Series MVP Honors

Clendenon grabbed the World Series Most Valuable Player Award for his incredible performance against Baltimore. He became the first Met to win that honor.

He smashed three home runs, tying him for the series lead. The RBIs he knocked in turned out to be crucial for the Mets’ win.

After getting the award, Clendenon made it clear he put the team first. He said, “There is no most valuable player on this team, we’ve got lots of them.”

The MVP award capped a wild season for Clendenon. He’d only joined the Mets partway through 1969 after briefly retiring from baseball in March.

Defining Moments and Legacy

Clendenon blasted tiebreaking home runs in both Game 2 and Game 4. Those clutch hits swung close games in the Mets’ favor.

He hit his third home run in the title-clinching 5-3 victory in Game 5. That final shot really sealed the championship for New York.

Clendenon’s performance made him a central figure in one of baseball’s biggest upsets. The Miracle Mets’ win over Baltimore still stands as one of the most unforgettable World Series moments.

His World Series heroics overshadowed a lot of his other career accomplishments. The 1969 triumph pretty much defined his 12-year major league career.

Career Statistics and Recognition

Donn Clendenon put up some impressive offensive numbers over his 12 seasons, highlighted by a .274 batting average and 159 home runs. He really made his mark in clutch moments, especially during the 1969 World Series, and that earned him a lasting spot in baseball history.

Batting Average and Power Numbers

Clendenon kept a steady .274 career batting average across 1,362 games from 1961 to 1972. He collected 1,273 hits and scored 594 runs during his time in the majors.

The first baseman showed reliable power throughout his career. He hit 159 home runs and drove in 682 RBIs during his 12 seasons.

His best offensive year came in 1966 with Pittsburgh. That season, he hit .299, belted 28 home runs, and drove in 98 RBIs while slugging .520.

Clendenon’s power numbers stand out, especially for his era. He averaged 19 home runs per 162 games, so he was always a consistent offensive threat for his teams.

Role in Team Success

Clendenon’s biggest contribution happened during the 1969 World Series with the New York Mets. He earned World Series MVP honors after hitting .357 with three home runs in the series.

He helped the Mets beat the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles. The veteran first baseman brought clutch hitting and leadership during the team’s miracle run.

While with Pittsburgh for eight seasons, Clendenon became a key contributor during some competitive years. He posted a .280 batting average and hit 106 home runs with the Pirates.

The left-handed hitter drove in runs when it mattered. His 97 RBIs in 1970 showed he could still produce even in his mid-30s.

Career Milestones

Clendenon reached some solid career benchmarks in his playing days. He topped 1,000 career hits and finished with exactly 1,273 hits over 12 years.

His World Series MVP award in 1969 stands as the high point of his individual achievements. He did that at age 33, proving he could handle the pressure.

The Missouri native played for four different teams. He spent most of his career with Pittsburgh (8 seasons) and made a big impact with the New York Mets (3 seasons).

Clendenon wrapped up his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1972. He posted a respectable .771 OPS and 117 OPS+, which shows he stayed above average offensively.

Retirement, Law Career, and Later Life

After he retired from baseball in 1972, Clendenon went after a law degree and practiced as an attorney in several cities before settling in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His life after baseball included legal work and drug abuse counseling, though he faced his share of personal struggles later on.

Transition to Law and Education

Clendenon earned his law degree from Duquesne University in 1975, just three years after his baseball career ended with the Cardinals. That achievement marked a huge shift from pro sports to a more academic path.

He made the decision to pursue law based on his educational background from Morehouse College. Clendenon always saw baseball as temporary, knowing his mind and education would serve him best in the long run.

His stepfather Nish Williams told him years back that a baseball career could help build his name as a professional later. That turned out to be true—Clendenon used his athletic fame to help boost his legal career.

The move from sports to law school took a lot of dedication. At age 40, Clendenon finished law school and passed the bar exam.

Legal and Counseling Work

After law school, Clendenon worked as an attorney with different law firms in Washington, D.C. and Chicago. His legal career stretched across several jurisdictions and practice areas.

He eventually started his own practice in Minnesota with the firm Clendenon, Henney & Hoy. That partnership marked the peak of his legal career.

Clendenon also served as a drug abuse counselor. In that role, he helped people struggling with substance abuse, drawing on both his training and his own life experiences.

His work as a counselor showed his commitment to helping others. Clendenon used his platform as a former pro athlete to tackle important social issues.

Struggles and Relocation to Sioux Falls

Despite his professional success, Clendenon ran into personal challenges later in life. He found controversy at times, though details about those struggles didn’t get much publicity.

He eventually moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he spent his final years. That move was a big shift from his earlier work in big cities like Washington, D.C. and Chicago.

Clendenon probably wanted a quieter life away from the stress of big-city law. South Dakota gave him a more peaceful place to retire.

In Sioux Falls, he stepped back from the public eye. Clendenon lived much more quietly compared to his days as a World Series MVP and attorney.

Legacy and Death from Leukemia

Clendenon passed away on September 17, 2005, at 70, after battling leukemia.

That same disease had taken his father’s life when Clendenon was just six months old. It’s hard not to notice the sad symmetry there.

He spent his last years in Sioux Falls, where he died.

Clendenon’s legacy wasn’t just about that 1969 World Series MVP award. He made a successful leap from pro baseball to law, showing how much education and planning matter for athletes once their sports careers end.

The New York Times called him “M.V.P For the 1969 ‘Miracle Mets,'” which pretty much locked in his spot in baseball history.

He stood out as both an athlete and an attorney, and honestly, you don’t see that every day in sports.