Lou Clinton – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Lou Clinton wrapped up his eight-year Major League Baseball career in 1967, closing the book on a journey that sent him across five American League teams. He lived the life of a skilled journeyman outfielder, always hustling for his spot. Born Luciean Louis Clinton on October 13, 1937, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, he first broke into the majors with the Boston Red Sox in 1960 at just 22. For nearly a decade, he faced the ups and downs of professional baseball.

From 1960 to 1967, Clinton played for the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles/California Angels, Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians, and New York Yankees. He finished with a .247 batting average and 65 home runs. His standout season came in 1962 with Boston, when he hit .294, launched 18 home runs, and drove in 75 runs. That season showed the kind of potential that kept him in the majors, even as he bounced between teams.

Clinton’s career really tells the story of so many pros—guys with solid skills who shift from team to team as organizations chase the right mix. From his promising start in Boston to his last days with the Yankees, Clinton’s journey gives us a peek into the challenges of maintaining a major league career during the wild, competitive 1960s.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Luciean Louis Clinton entered the world on October 13, 1937, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. His parents valued hard work and family above all, and Clinton’s path from a small Oklahoma town to the big leagues started with their support and his own high school heroics.

Family Background and Childhood in Ponca City

Clinton grew up in Longwood, right next to Ponca City in north central Oklahoma. His dad, Earl J. Clinton, worked in a local rock quarry before landing a job at Continental Oil. His mom, Lucy (Marlette) Clinton, grew up on an Iowa farm.

The Clintons had a big, tight-knit family. Earl and Lucy raised eight kids, and Lucy gave them names in pairs, hoping for twins: Earlena, Earl, Luciena (Liz), Luciean (Lou), Lorene (Lori), Loren, Josephine (Jody), and James (Jim).

Ponca City was small, with fewer than 17,000 people. That close community shaped Clinton’s character and work ethic. As a kid, he played in midget leagues, joined the Cub Scouts, and competed in the Conoco leagues.

His family’s Iowa roots and Oklahoma setting gave him those classic Midwestern values. Clinton learned hard work and determination from his parents’ different backgrounds—farming and industrial labor.

High School Achievements and Amateur Play

Clinton started at Washington Elementary School, then moved on to Ponca High School. He stood out as an athlete right away, becoming a local star in several sports. People noticed his talent early, and he built a reputation as a skilled player.

During high school, Clinton’s baseball skills really started to shine. He showed off strong batting and sharp defense—tools that would help him later in the pros. Local fans and scouts began to take notice.

After graduation, Clinton briefly attended Northern Oklahoma College. But honestly, pro scouts were already looking at him. His athleticism and drive made him a hot prospect for major league teams.

Signing with the Boston Red Sox

At just 17, Clinton signed with the Boston Red Sox right after finishing high school. Scout Danny Doyle, another Oklahoman, spotted Clinton’s talent and brought him into the Red Sox fold in 1955.

Clinton’s first pro assignment landed him in Bluefield, West Virginia, playing in the Class-D Appalachian League. He didn’t waste any time—he hit .361 with 19 home runs in just 75 games. That performance earned him a quick promotion to Greensboro, North Carolina, before the season ended.

The signing gave Clinton a huge chance. Moving from Ponca City to pro baseball meant major changes, but his talent and determination helped him push through. That first season proved Doyle’s instincts were spot on.

Clinton’s strong start set him up for the future. The Boston Red Sox organization gave him the development he needed to climb the minor league ladder and make his major league debut.

Major League Debut and Rise with the Boston Red Sox

Lou Clinton’s time with the Boston Red Sox began on April 22, 1960, when he debuted in the majors at 22. After Jackie Jensen retired following the 1961 season, Clinton stepped up as the Red Sox’s main right fielder. His 1962 season turned into a breakout year—he hit for the cycle and became a key bat in the lineup.

Major League Debut and Early Challenges

Clinton made his major league debut on April 22, 1960, facing the Washington Senators. He made an immediate impact, going 3-for-5 in an 11-inning win. Clinton singled and scored the tying run in the ninth, showing the clutch hitting that marked his early career.

He kept things rolling in his next few games. Clinton picked up his first RBI on a groundout the very next day. On April 24, he smacked his first big league homer off Camilo Pascual, giving Red Sox fans a taste of his power.

But facing major league pitching wasn’t easy. By June 21, his average had dropped to .253, matching his mark in Minneapolis the year before. The Red Sox sent him back to Minneapolis on June 22 to make room for pitcher Billy Muffett.

Key Early Statistics:

• First Half 1960: .253 batting average before being sent down
• Games Played: 96 games in 1960
• Final 1960 Numbers: .228 average, 6 home runs, 37 RBIs

Clinton returned to Boston in late July when Gary Geiger suffered a collapsed lung. He struggled after coming back and ended his rookie year with a .228 average.

Taking Over Right Field Post-Jackie Jensen

With Jackie Jensen retiring after 1961, right field opened up. Clinton spent most of that year with the Seattle Rainiers, hitting .295 with 102 RBIs in 127 games. He actually asked for the minor league assignment, partly because of issues with manager Mike Higgins.

During his brief 1961 stint in the majors, Clinton witnessed baseball history. He played right field at Yankee Stadium when Roger Maris hit his 61st home run off Tracy Stallard. When someone asked where the ball would’ve landed at Fenway, Clinton quipped, “In my glove.”

The 1962 season saw Clinton step in as Boston’s regular right fielder. He started strong, blasting a grand slam in his third game on April 19 against Detroit’s Jerry Casale. That sixth-inning shot into the left-field netting won the game for Boston.

Manager Pinky Higgins noticed Clinton’s defensive progress. “His bat has helped, but Lou’s big improvement has been in the field. He always was adequate, now he’s exceptional. I think we’ve found our right-fielder,” Higgins said.

Breakout 1962 Season and Hitting for the Cycle

Clinton’s 1962 season was his best. Even though he started July batting just .147, he caught fire with seven straight hits in a July 4 doubleheader. By July 20, he’d raised his average to .324.

On July 13, 1962, Clinton hit for the cycle against the Kansas City Athletics. He was the only player in the majors to do it that year. Clinton also became the first American Leaguer to hit for the cycle since Baltimore’s Brooks Robinson in 1960.

He became the first Red Sox player to hit for the cycle since Bobby Doerr did it in 1947—a 15-year gap. That game really put Clinton on the map as a complete hitter.

1962 Season Highlights:

• .294 batting average (third on the team, just behind Carl Yastrzemski)
• 18 home runs—solid power numbers
• 75 RBIs (third on Boston)
• 114 games played as the regular right fielder

Key Moments and Contributions

Clinton’s biggest offensive game in 1962 happened on June 29, when he blasted another grand slam against Kansas City. He drove in six runs in a 9-3 win, showing he could come through when it mattered.

By mid-September 1962, Larry Claflin of the Boston Record American wondered, “Has Lou Clinton become the best hitter the Red Sox own?” That question captured Clinton’s turnaround and growing value to the team.

Clinton’s defense also got a lot of love from management. His range and arm in right field gave the Red Sox stability. With his improved hitting and top-notch defense, he became a true two-way player.

In 1963, Clinton played 148 games and hit 22 home runs with 77 RBIs. His average dropped to .232, and his strikeouts jumped from 79 to 118. Even with those struggles, he stayed Boston’s main right fielder through the early 1960s.

Journeyman Years: Trades and Team Changes

After making his mark in Boston, Clinton started a four-year stretch bouncing around the American League. He went from the California Angels to quick stops with Kansas City and Cleveland, then finished up with the New York Yankees.

Time with the California Angels

Clinton landed with the California Angels in 1964 after the Red Sox traded him. That was a big shift—he’d spent his first five big league seasons in Boston.

In California, Clinton played alongside some established stars. He got used to the different feel of Angel Stadium and the West Coast.

The Angels gave Clinton regular time in their outfield rotation. His right-handed bat helped their offense during 1964 and the start of 1965.

He spent about a season and a half with the Angels. They used his experience and flexibility in the outfield during that run.

Stints with Kansas City Athletics and Cleveland Indians

Late in 1965, Clinton’s path took another turn. He played for both the Kansas City Athletics and Cleveland Indians in the same season. These brief stops really showed how much of a journeyman he’d become.

The Kansas City Athletics gave Clinton a shot to keep his major league career alive. His time there was short, but it kept him in the game.

After Kansas City, he joined the Cleveland Indians for the last months of 1965. The Indians let him contribute to their roster down the stretch.

These quick team changes showed Clinton’s value as a veteran who could offer depth. His experience with different clubs made him a handy short-term addition.

Role on the New York Yankees

Clinton’s last major league shot came with the New York Yankees in 1966 and part of 1967. Playing at Yankee Stadium was a pretty big deal, considering where he started.

The Yankees used Clinton’s veteran experience during a transitional period for the team. His right-handed bat gave them more options in the outfield.

Clinton shared the Yankees clubhouse with players like Roger Maris and other big names. Having played for several teams, he brought a unique perspective to the Yankees.

The 1967 season ended up being Clinton’s last in the majors. His time with the Yankees capped off an eight-year career spread across five American League teams.

Statistical Overview with Multiple Franchises

Clinton’s stats show what he brought to five different teams. He hit 65 home runs during his eight seasons in the big leagues.

His games played were split among the Red Sox, Angels, Athletics, Indians, and Yankees. Each team got something from his right-handed swing and outfield skills.

Clinton’s RBIs and other offensive numbers showed steady production throughout his journeyman years. He could adapt to new teams and ballparks, which isn’t always easy.

Looking at his stats, you see a player who could help out wherever he landed. Clinton’s numbers reflected solid, reliable play across different teams and situations.

Final Playing Season and Retirement in 1967

Lou Clinton started his final year in pro baseball with the New York Yankees. He ended it by making a tough decision after playing for the San Diego Padres in the Pacific Coast League. A broken thumb in spring training and a move to the minors brought his eight-year major league career to a close.

The 1967 Season with the Yankees

Clinton kicked off the 1967 season with the New York Yankees, but things got tough right away. He fractured his right thumb during spring training, and that injury really limited his time on the field.

Even with the injury, Clinton managed to get into six games for the Yankees. He went 2-for-4 with a couple of RBIs, mainly coming off the bench as a pinch-hitter, thumb still not fully healed.

He made his final American League appearance on April 30, 1967. On May 11, when the Yankees had to cut their roster to 25 players, they sold Clinton’s contract to the Philadelphia Phillies.

That year, the Yankees finished dead last. Clinton’s short run with them marked the end of his major league days after eight seasons in the American League.

San Diego Padres and Minor League Role

The Philadelphia Phillies sent Clinton to their Triple-A affiliate, the San Diego Padres in the Pacific Coast League. This move put him back in the minors after years in the majors.

Clinton played 110 games for San Diego and batted .250 during the 1967 season. He stepped up as a key player for the team during their playoff run.

He really shined in the Pacific Coast League playoffs. In the first five games, Clinton hit .421 with three home runs and seven RBIs.

He doubled in the sixth game as the Padres clinched the pennant. San Diego beat Spokane four games to two, giving Clinton a championship to finish off his playing career.

Decision to Retire and Circumstances

On January 29, 1968, the San Diego Union reported Clinton had announced his retirement from baseball. He decided to focus on his oil business interests in Oklahoma instead of continuing to play.

Clinton had started working in oil during the 1964 offseason with his uncle Rick. He realized this business made more sense financially than sticking with baseball.

“I made more money in the first nine months than I did in my entire baseball career,” Clinton said about his oil ventures. He actually enjoyed the work and even compared dry holes to going 0-for-4 at the plate.

He could’ve kept playing, but the oil business offered better security. Chasing baseball into his thirties just didn’t seem worth it.

Playing Style, Skills, and Notable Achievements

Lou Clinton played right-handed outfield, mostly sticking to right field—he covered that spot in 603 out of his 691 big league games. He really focused on solid defense more than offense, but he had some pop with 65 career home runs across eight seasons.

Offensive Performance and Key Stats

Clinton wrapped up his career with a .247 batting average, 532 hits, and 269 RBIs over 691 games. His best year at the plate came in 1962, when he hit .294 for the Red Sox, just a hair behind Carl Yastrzemski’s .296.

That 1962 season had some power highlights. Clinton started the year with a grand slam against Detroit on April 19. He smacked another grand slam on June 29 against Kansas City, driving in six runs in a 9-3 win.

His power numbers didn’t blow anyone away, but they were steady. Clinton hit a career-high 22 home runs in 1963, though his average dipped to .232 that year. He struggled with strikeouts, watching his total jump from 79 to 118 between 1962 and 1963.

After leaving Boston, his offense just wasn’t the same. With the Angels in 1965, he managed only eight RBIs in 249 plate appearances by September, which was surprisingly low and led to him being placed on waivers.

Defensive Contributions and Fielding Reputation

Clinton’s defensive skills really set him apart. Red Sox manager Pinky Higgins noticed his improvement in 1962, saying, “His bat has helped, but Lou’s big improvement has been in the field. He always was adequate, now he’s exceptional.”

He built a strong defensive reputation even in the minors. That helped him land a spot on the Red Sox roster, even though his bat wasn’t always hot.

Clinton became valuable as a defensive replacement later in his career. In his last season with the Yankees in 1967, he mostly appeared as a pinch-hitter and defensive sub.

He had good range and arm strength in right field. Clinton covered ground well and had the arm you need to play that position at the big league level.

Career Highlights and Unusual Moments

Clinton had his most unforgettable moment during Roger Maris’s legendary 1961 season. He played right field at Yankee Stadium when Maris hit home run number 61 off Tracy Stallard. When folks asked where the ball would’ve landed at Fenway Park, Clinton joked, “In my glove.”

Another odd moment happened on August 9, 1960, against Cleveland. Clinton chased a fly ball hit by Vic Power and accidentally kicked it out of the park after it bounced off a pipe. That play turned into a two-run homer, with Clinton sort of assisting.

His major league debut stood out too. On April 22, 1960, Clinton went 3-for-5 against Washington, singling and scoring the tying run in the ninth inning of an 11-inning win.

He hit his first career homer off Camilo Pascual just days after debuting. Clinton kept coming up clutch for the Angels too, hitting a 10th-inning homer on September 12 to beat his old Red Sox teammates.

Post-Baseball Life and Legacy

After leaving pro baseball in 1967, Lou Clinton jumped into the oil business in Oklahoma and later Kansas. He built a successful company and stayed connected to the game, getting inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.

Transition to the Oil Business

Clinton started working in oil back in 1964 while still playing for the Red Sox. He teamed up with his uncle Rick during the offseason, and the business took off right away.

“I first went into the oil business in 1964 with my uncle Rick during the offseason and found that I made more money in the first nine months than I did in my entire baseball career,” Clinton said. That kind of success definitely pushed him to retire from baseball at just 29.

He found real passion in the oil business, not just the money. Clinton liked the similarities between baseball and oil, talking about the ups and downs in both. “There’s nothing worse than getting a dry hole or going 0-for-4. It’s the same thing. And I absolutely love the oil business. I would have a rig running every day if it was up to me. Give me the investor with some money and I,” he said.

Personal Life and Later Years

After baseball, Clinton settled in Wichita, Kansas, where he ran his oil business. He had married Eleanor Sue Thompson on October 18, 1958, while playing in the minors with the Minneapolis Millers.

Clinton kept his roots in the Midwest, growing up in Ponca City, Oklahoma. His family was big—seven siblings, all with names starting with “L,” thanks to their parents Earl and Lucy Clinton. His dad worked as a quarryman and later joined Continental Oil Company.

The former outfielder lived a pretty private life in Wichita. He focused on building his oil business and stayed close to his Oklahoma roots. Clinton passed away on December 6, 1997, at age 60.

Impact and Remembrance

In 1987, the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame inducted Clinton, officially recognizing his baseball legacy. They celebrated his contributions to the sport and his ties to Kansas, especially since he settled in Wichita after his playing days.

Clinton spent most of his eight-season major league career with the Boston Red Sox. He played right field during Ted Williams’ final season in 1960, holding down a regular spot at just 22 years old.

Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .247
• Home Runs: 65
• RBIs: 269
• Games Played: 691

After hanging up his cleats, Clinton built a second career as a business owner. His oil business actually brought in more than his baseball days ever did, which honestly says a lot about his drive and adaptability.