Doug Clemens – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Doug Clemens spent nine seasons in Major League Baseball before he finally hung up his cleats in 1968. This Pennsylvania native played for three National League teams during the 1960s, and people knew him as a reliable outfielder and pinch-hitting specialist.

He started out with the St. Louis Cardinals, then moved to the Chicago Cubs, and finished his career with his home-state Philadelphia Phillies.

Clemens hit .229 with 12 home runs and 88 RBIs over 452 major league games. He appeared as a pinch-hitter 185 times, which is honestly a lot. His path through baseball involved some pretty major trades, including the one that sent Lou Brock to St. Louis—a future Hall of Famer.

Clemens had to fight for roster spots in a tough era, but he just kept grinding, thanks to a strong work ethic.

He went from being a two-sport star in high school to switching from football to baseball at Syracuse University. Clemens’ story is really about the kind of dedication it takes to reach the big leagues.

His career reflects the evolving world of 1960s baseball, some truly memorable trades, and the struggle to keep a job in one of the sport’s most competitive decades.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Doug Clemens grew up in a family that loved sports in Pennsylvania. His dad coached and scouted, so Doug was surrounded by athletics from the start.

His journey took him from high school stardom to Syracuse University, where he played both football and baseball. Eventually, he focused on baseball.

Family Background and Childhood in Pennsylvania

Douglas Horace Clemens was born on June 9, 1939, in Leesport, Pennsylvania. The town sits about 50 miles northeast of Harrisburg.

His dad, Lloyd “Scoop” Clemens, played a huge part in shaping Doug’s athletic future. Lloyd coached several sports and held the record for coaching victories in Pennsylvania.

He also worked as a scout for the Philadelphia Phillies, so baseball was kind of in Doug’s blood.

Doug grew up in a family where sports mattered. His dad’s experience in coaching and scouting gave Doug a real edge in both football and baseball.

In 1997, Doug and his father both got inducted into the Muhlenberg School District Hall of Fame. That recognition meant a lot, honoring their impact on local sports and the community.

High School Years at Muhlenberg High School

Doug played football and baseball at Muhlenberg High School. His dad coached him in both, which must’ve been interesting at times.

As a first baseman, Doug stood out for his hitting and defense. Those skills set him apart from his teammates.

He developed the basics that would help him later in pro baseball.

On the football field, Doug played halfback and really shined. Scouts noticed his versatility and talent in both sports.

The combination of his dad’s coaching and Doug’s athleticism helped him succeed in high school. His performances opened doors for college.

College Athletics at Syracuse University

Doug landed a full football scholarship to Syracuse University, thanks to his halfback skills. That was a big deal for his future.

But during his freshman year, he suffered a serious knee injury and needed two surgeries. That almost ended his football career and put his scholarship in jeopardy.

Syracuse switched his scholarship from football to baseball, which turned out to be a game-changer. Doug got to keep his education going and focus on baseball.

He played first base for Syracuse and lettered in baseball in 1959 and 1960. Competing in college baseball helped him develop against better competition.

Doug later finished both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education at Syracuse. Balancing education and sports showed he cared about more than just athletics.

Summer Baseball and The Basin League Experience

Doug spent his summers during college playing in the Basin League, a top college baseball circuit. Teams played in towns along the Missouri River basin in the upper Midwest.

He suited up for the Mitchell Kernels in South Dakota. The Basin League was tough and produced plenty of future major leaguers.

His friend Dave Giusti also played in the league. Giusti later pitched 15 years in the majors, which says a lot about the league’s level of play.

Doug got exposed to different playing styles and tougher competition. Those summers helped him get ready for pro ball and put him on the radar of major league scouts.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Doug Clemens played nine seasons in Major League Baseball from 1960 to 1968, bouncing between three teams. He signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1960, made his MLB debut that year, and spent his early seasons in their system.

The Cardinals traded him to the Chicago Cubs in 1964 in the famous Lou Brock deal. He wrapped up his career with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Signing with the St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals scout Benny Bergmann signed Doug Clemens on July 21, 1960, right after his junior year at Syracuse. Doug got a $40,000 bonus and salary package spread across four years.

The Cardinals sent Doug to their Billings, Montana team in the Pioneer League. He made an immediate impact.

Doug hit .389 in 39 games with Billings. That hot streak showed why scouts liked him so much.

He got called up to the majors in October 1960, just a few months after signing. Moving that quickly from college to MLB said a lot about his talent and readiness.

MLB Debut and Early Seasons

Clemens debuted in the majors on October 2, 1960, as a defensive sub in right field against the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park. The 21-year-old rookie admitted he was really nervous.

“I was very, very nervous,” he said. “A screaming line drive came at me and I made a diving catch.”

Doug bounced between the big leagues and the minors in his early years with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1961, he played in the Double-A Texas League and Triple-A International League before another short MLB call-up.

The 1962 season gave Clemens his first real shot at the majors. Manager Johnny Keane thought he was ready, even though Doug had less than two years of pro experience.

The Sporting News picked him as the “likeliest player to improve” on the Cardinals roster. But playing time was tough to come by, especially with seven outfielders, including Stan Musial, competing for spots.

Transition to Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies

On June 15, 1964, the Cardinals traded Clemens, Bobby Shantz, and Ernie Broglio to the Chicago Cubs for Jack Spring, Paul Toth, and Lou Brock. That trade changed baseball history.

Doug felt upset at first about leaving St. Louis, especially since he had to watch his old teammates play in the 1964 World Series. With the Cubs, he looked like he might become their regular right fielder.

His 1965 season with Chicago was his busiest in the majors. Doug played in 128 games, picked up 75 hits, and batted .221 with 4 homers.

In January 1966, the Cubs dealt Clemens to the Philadelphia Phillies for outfielder Wes Covington. That move brought him back to Pennsylvania and closer to family.

Doug spent three seasons (1966-1968) with the Phillies, mostly as a pinch-hitting specialist. He led the National League in pinch-hit at-bats in both 1966 and 1967.

Being a bench player was tough, both mentally and physically. “Being a fringe player, sitting on the bench, that’s the hardest job in baseball,” Clemens once said.

Key Trades and Team Transitions

Doug Clemens’ career changed dramatically with the June 15, 1964 trade that sent him from St. Louis to Chicago. That blockbuster deal brought Lou Brock to the Cardinals and altered Clemens’ path in the majors.

The 1964 Blockbuster Lou Brock Trade

The June 15, 1964 trade between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs became one of baseball’s most famous deals. The Cardinals got Lou Brock from Chicago in exchange for three players.

Trade Details:

• Cardinals received: Lou Brock, Jack Spring, Paul Toth
• Cubs received: Ernie Broglio, Bobby Shantz, Doug Clemens

Clemens was hitting just .205 in 33 games with the Cardinals before the trade happened.

The Cardinals needed more offense and speed. Brock turned into a Hall of Famer and helped St. Louis win the 1964 World Series.

Players Involved in the Lou Brock Trade

Ernie Broglio was the big name going to Chicago. He had been a 20-game winner with St. Louis but struggled badly with the Cubs.

Bobby Shantz, a former AL MVP, was also included. He was at the tail end of his career.

Doug Clemens was the outfielder in the deal. At 25, he was the youngest player involved.

Player Performance After Trade:

• Lou Brock: .348 average, helped Cardinals win 1964 World Series
• Ernie Broglio: 7-19 record over three seasons with Cubs
• Doug Clemens: .279 average in 54 games with Chicago

Impact on Clemens’ Career Trajectory

The trade to Chicago gave Clemens more playing time right away. He played mostly right field for the Cubs.

Doug hit .279 with Chicago in 1964, which was a big improvement. That was probably his best stretch in the majors.

In 1965, Clemens became the Cubs’ fourth outfielder and played in 128 games, his most in a single season.

Before the 1966 season, the Cubs traded him to Philadelphia for Wes Covington. That trade continued a pattern of frequent moves for Clemens.

The 1964 trade stood out as a highlight, giving Doug his most productive run in the big leagues.

Doug Clemens’ Playing Style and Statistics

Doug Clemens batted left-handed and played outfield for nine seasons in the big leagues from 1960 to 1968. He was known for defensive versatility and for making contact at the plate, though he never put up big offensive numbers with the Cardinals, Cubs, or Phillies.

Batting and Fielding Profile

Clemens stood 6 feet tall and weighed 180 pounds—pretty average for his era. He hit lefty and threw righty, which gave him a bit of an edge against right-handed pitchers.

At the plate, Doug focused on contact, not power. He hit just 12 home runs in 452 games but drew 114 walks and struck out 166 times. That’s decent plate discipline for the time.

Doug mostly played right field but also saw action in left and center. He fielded his position well, with a career fielding percentage that matched league standards.

His range factor stats suggest he could cover his share of ground. Doug’s arm was solid, but not exactly a cannon. Still, his defensive flexibility made him useful for managers.

Performance Highlights and Notable Games

Doug’s best season came in 1964 after he moved from St. Louis to Chicago. With the Cubs, he hit .279 with 39 hits in 140 at-bats. His OPS of .784 with Chicago was way above his career average.

He flashed some power in 1963, hitting a home run in just six at-bats. That odd little stretch gave him a 1.667 slugging percentage and a .952 OPS for the year—wild numbers, even if it was a tiny sample.

During his time with the Cardinals from 1960-1964, Doug played 93 games and hit .217. The 1962 season was his first full year in the majors, and he played 48 games with 22 hits.

With the Cubs in 1964-1965, Doug had his best offensive run. He played 182 games for Chicago and hit .238 with 114 hits.

Career MLB Statistics and Team Contributions

Clemens wrapped up his nine-year career with a .229 batting average, 211 hits, and 88 RBIs over 452 games. He posted a .317 on-base percentage, which, honestly, wasn’t bad for those days.

Career Statistics Summary:

• Games: 452
• Hits: 211
• Home Runs: 12
• RBIs: 88
• Batting Average: .229
• On-Base Percentage: .317
• Slugging Percentage: .321

His WAR (Wins Above Replacement) landed at 0.2, which tells you he played right at replacement level most of the time. He filled the role of utility outfielder, not really a regular starter.

Clemens played for three different teams during his career. He suited up the most for the Chicago Cubs (182 games) and Philadelphia Phillies (177 games).

He spent his last season in 1968 entirely with Philadelphia, playing in 29 games.

His career OPS+ of 78 means he hit 22% below the league average. Even with those numbers, Clemens stuck around the majors for almost a decade, which says something about his reliability as a role player.

Retirement and Life after Baseball

Doug Clemens ended his nine-year Major League Baseball career in 1968 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He made a smooth jump into business while staying close to his family and his Pennsylvania roots.

Final MLB Season and Retirement in 1968

The 1968 season signaled the end for Clemens in professional baseball. The Phillies sent him to their San Diego affiliate in the Pacific Coast League at the start of the year.

He played 104 games for San Diego and hit .248.

In August, the Phillies called Clemens back up to the majors. He played just enough games to qualify for a major-league pension, which turned out to be crucial for his future.

That call-up marked his last stint in professional baseball.

Career Statistics Summary:

• Total MLB Games: 452
• Career Batting Average: .229
• Pinch-Hit Appearances: 185
• Teams Played For: St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies

Clemens thought about playing in 1969 but decided not to. A friend offered him a business opportunity that would let him stay near his family.

He chose family and long-term stability over another year in baseball.

Further Education and Personal Achievements

Clemens finished his education at Syracuse University while still playing pro ball. He earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in physical education.

That background at Syracuse gave him a solid foundation for life after baseball.

After he retired from the game, Clemens joined General Machine Products. He worked his way up the company ladder.

The work ethic that helped him in baseball came in handy in business too.

Clemens eventually became vice president of sales and marketing at General Machine Products. He held that spot for decades, showing the same drive he had as a pro athlete.

He retired from business in 2004, leaving behind a pretty successful second career.

His athletic background and Syracuse degrees helped him adjust smoothly to the corporate world.

Family and Community Involvement

Doug Clemens married Ginny in 1961 while he was still playing. They had three kids, including a son named Theodore Williams Clemens—named after Clemens’ boyhood idol Ted Williams.

By 2008, they had seven grandkids.

The trade to Philadelphia in 1966 brought Clemens back to Pennsylvania. His family lived close enough to Philly to catch games, which mattered more as his career went on.

Clemens kept close ties with his high school. In 1997, the Muhlenberg School District Hall of Fame inducted both Doug and his dad, Lloyd “Scoop” Clemens.

His dad coached at Muhlenberg High School and held the record for most wins among Pennsylvania coaches.

While with the Phillies, Clemens became a regular at fan events and community gatherings. He promoted both the team and baseball in general throughout the area.

Legacy and Baseball Research Resources

Doug Clemens’ baseball career lives on through several honors and a bunch of baseball stats databases. You can still find his story on different research sites and historical records that cover his nine seasons in the majors.

Recognition and Hall of Fame Inductions

Doug Clemens picked up some nice honors after his playing days. In 1997, the Muhlenberg School District Hall of Fame inducted both Doug and his father, Lloyd “Scoop” Clemens.

That recognition celebrated what they both did for Pennsylvania high school sports.

Lloyd Clemens coached football and baseball at Muhlenberg High School, holding the record for most wins in the state. Doug played first base and halfback under his dad.

The double induction really showed off the family’s sports legacy in Pennsylvania. Doug’s high school play earned him a full football scholarship to Syracuse.

Switching from football to baseball set him on his pro path.

This kind of local recognition really shows how Clemens made an impact close to home. His story ties together local baseball and major league success.

Statistical Data and Source References

You can find Doug Clemens’ career stats on several baseball research sites. Baseball-Reference.com is the go-to for his full record, including that .229 batting average, 12 home runs, and 88 RBIs in 452 games.

The Society for American Baseball Research shares detailed bios, covering both his career highlights and his personal background. Baseball Almanac adds more stats and historical context.

Stat databases show Clemens played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies. He appeared as a pinch-hitter 185 times.

His best minor league season came in 1961, when he hit .342 with Tulsa.

Retrosheet.org has game-by-game data for those who want to dig into specific performances. These resources help keep his career alive for future baseball fans.

Where to Find More Information on Doug Clemens

If you’re looking for Doug Clemens info, you can dig into some well-known baseball databases. The Baseball Cube lays out stats from minor league, college, and summer league games. You’ll also find transaction histories and a bunch of biographical details there.

BR Bullpen adds more about his career and playing days. They actually note his pro debut with the Billings Mustangs back in 1960.

StatsCrew.com puts together stats and career summaries in a slightly different way. Some people prefer their layout, honestly.

You can check out the Society for American Baseball Research biography in “Drama and Pride in the Gateway City: The 1964 St. Louis Cardinals.” University of Nebraska Press published that, and it really digs into his career.

Retrosheet holds play-by-play data for specific games. This site helps researchers break down individual performances and spot career trends.

With all these cross-referenced sources, serious baseball research gets a lot easier, and you can feel pretty confident about the info you find.