Mark Clearnull – Career Highlights and Post-MLB Journey

Mark Clear, a two-time All-Star relief pitcher, wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1990, leaving a pretty memorable impression on the game. This right-handed reliever spent 11 seasons in the majors, pitching for the California Angels (1979-80, 1990), Boston Red Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers before calling it a career on May 16, 1990, at just 33.

Clear’s baseball story kicked off in 1977 in the minors, but he didn’t stay under the radar for long. Born on May 27, 1956, he made an immediate splash when he hit the majors, snagging All-Star nods and earning a reputation for handling high-pressure moments with nerves of steel.

Mark Clear never got to hoist a World Series trophy, but he made a real impact on every team he joined. He finished up with the California Angels in 1990, coming full circle with the club that gave him his big league start more than a decade earlier.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Clear grew up in Southern California, where his journey to pro baseball really began. Long before anyone called him “The Elongated Man,” he was already showing promise on the mound.

Childhood and Background

Mark Alan Clear was born on May 27, 1956, in Los Angeles. He caught the baseball bug early, playing in local youth leagues all over the city.

He sprouted up fast—by his teens, he was already 6-foot-4, which gave him a pretty big edge on the mound. That height let him throw with a steep downward angle, something hitters struggled with for years.

Southern California in the ‘60s and ‘70s was a hotbed for baseball talent, and Clear took full advantage. He spent countless hours at local parks and school fields, working on his pitching mechanics and just soaking up the game.

High School Baseball Years

Clear went to Northview High School in Covina, California, where he quickly became a standout. In the early ‘70s, scouts started to notice his big frame and the heat he brought on the mound.

At Northview, Clear developed the fastball that would become his calling card as a pro. His coaches worked closely with him, helping him refine his delivery and get the most out of his height.

By his senior year, Clear was one of the most talked-about pitching prospects in the region. He regularly faced off against some tough Southern California high school teams and proved he belonged at the next level.

College and Drafting Process

Instead of heading to college, Clear jumped straight into pro ball after high school. The Philadelphia Phillies picked him in the 8th round of the 1974 amateur draft, 171st overall.

Going pro at 18 turned out to be a huge step in his development. He dove into the minor league grind right away, starting that long, tough journey toward the majors.

The minors were shifting their focus toward power pitchers like Clear at the time. Even though the Phillies drafted him, he made his major league debut with the California Angels in 1979 after working his way up through the minors.

Clear’s story from high school star to pro draft pick really says a lot about how strong Southern California’s baseball pipeline was back then.

Professional Debut and MLB Entry

Mark Clear’s road to the majors started when the Philadelphia Phillies drafted him in 1974. It took a few years in the minors before he finally got his shot.

MLB Debut

Mark Alan Clear made his big league debut with the California Angels on April 4, 1979. The right-handed reliever wasted no time making an impression. In his rookie year, Clear wowed fans and coaches with his big arm and knack for striking guys out when it mattered most.

That first MLB season was something else. He put up strong numbers as a reliever and even made the All-Star team in 1979. Not bad for a rookie mainly coming out of the bullpen. His fastball and breaking stuff gave the Angels a real weapon late in games.

Transition From Minor Leagues

Clear didn’t rocket straight to the majors after being drafted in the 8th round by the Phillies in 1974. He spent several seasons working on his game in the minors. After a bit of bouncing around, he landed in the Angels’ farm system.

He put in time with the Quad City Angels, where he sharpened his mechanics and built up the stamina that pro ball demands. His solid work in the minors eventually caught the Angels’ eye.

By 1979, the Angels decided he was ready for the show, and he didn’t disappoint. All that minor league seasoning paid off once he hit the big stage.

Teams and Career Progression

Mark Clear’s MLB career spanned more than a decade and took him to several teams. He proved himself as a versatile reliever, earning respect in both the American and National Leagues.

California Angels Era

Clear started his MLB career with the California Angels in 1979. He made a big splash right away, earning an All-Star spot as a rookie.

During his first stint with the Angels (1979-1980), Clear quickly became a go-to guy out of the bullpen. With his powerful fastball and strikeout ability, he thrived in late-inning roles.

He later returned to the Angels in 1990 for his final season, bringing his career full circle.

St. Louis Cardinals Tenure

Mark Clear never actually pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals in a regular-season game, but his name did pop up in connection with the organization now and then.

The Cardinals showed interest in him at points, especially as his reputation for racking up strikeouts grew. Honestly, his style probably would’ve fit the National League well.

The ‘80s saw a lot of relievers bouncing from team to team, and Clear’s career followed that trend pretty closely.

Boston Red Sox Years

Clear spent some of his best years with the Boston Red Sox from 1981-1985. He picked up his second All-Star nod as a Red Sox in 1982.

In Boston, Clear cemented his status as a strikeout artist. Facing tough lineups in the AL East, he gave the Red Sox bullpen much-needed stability.

He notched 55 saves during his time in Boston, the most he’d have with any team.

Other Team Contributions

After Boston, Clear moved on to the Milwaukee Brewers (1986-1988), where he continued to eat up innings out of the bullpen. His role changed a bit, but he still brought experience and steadiness to Milwaukee’s pitching staff.

Before any of that, the Phillies drafted him in the 8th round of the 1974 draft, and he worked his way up through their system before making his MLB debut.

Throughout his career, Clear showed he could adapt to new teams and ballparks, which isn’t easy for relievers who often find themselves on the move.

Performance and Key Statistics

Mark Clear carved out a reputation as a tough relief pitcher during his 11 years in the majors, from 1979 to 1990. His numbers tell the story of a guy who thrived when the pressure was on, earning two All-Star selections while pitching for the Angels, Red Sox, and Brewers.

Strikeouts and Pitching Records

Clear’s ability to rack up strikeouts really set him apart. Over his career, he struck out 804 batters in 804.1 innings—so, basically one per inning. That’s the kind of consistency managers love in a late-game arm.

His best strikeout season came in 1980 with the Angels, when he punched out 105 hitters in just 99 innings. That year, he really showed how overpowering he could be.

With the Red Sox, he kept up a strong K/9 rate, using a tricky fastball and sharp breaking ball to keep hitters guessing.

Innings Pitched and Game Appearances

Clear was a workhorse out of the bullpen. He logged 804.1 innings across 417 games. That kind of durability made him a go-to guy for managers looking for reliable relief.

His busiest year was 1982 in Boston, when he pitched in 55 games. Clear could handle everything from long relief to getting just one big out.

On average, he tossed about 73 innings per season. That workload says a lot about his endurance and mental toughness.

In his final season with the Angels in 1990, Clear saw a drop in appearances as he wound down his career, but he still showed the same solid mechanics and competitiveness.

RBIs, Runs Scored, and Hits

As an American League reliever for most of his career, Clear barely got to swing a bat. He finished with just a handful of RBIs, runs, or hits—pretty much par for the course for a pitcher in his situation.

The designated hitter rule meant Clear rarely stepped into the batter’s box. The few times he did came during interleague play or his short time in the National League.

His focus was always on pitching, and that allowed him to hone his craft without worrying about the offensive side of things.

Home Runs and Batting Achievements

Clear’s batting stats? Not much to see there—he never hit a home run in the majors.

Spending almost his entire career in the American League after the DH rule took effect, Clear hardly ever batted. That’s just how it went for relievers in his era.

His batting average was, well, what you’d expect from a pitcher with so few at-bats. His real value was always on the mound, shutting down hitters when it counted.

Signature Seasons and Achievements

Mark Clear’s career had some real high points, and his unique pitching style made him stand out among relievers of his time.

Best Statistical Seasons

Clear’s best season probably came in 1982 with the Boston Red Sox. He went 14-9, notched 14 saves, and finished with a solid 3.55 ERA. That year earned him his second All-Star selection.

His rookie year in 1979 with the Angels was also a big deal. He posted an 11-5 record, 14 saves, and a 3.63 ERA—pretty impressive for a first-year reliever.

In 1980, Clear turned in a career-best 2.90 ERA, continuing to be a rock in the bullpen for the Angels.

All-Star Appearances

Mark Clear grabbed two All-Star selections over his 11-season career, which really says a lot about how good he was out of the bullpen. He got his first nod in 1979 as a rookie with the California Angels, quickly making a name for himself as one of the American League’s top relievers.

He picked up his second All-Star honor in 1982 with the Boston Red Sox, showing he could keep up the pace even after moving from California to Boston.

During those All-Star games, Clear brought his best stuff—his fastball packed a punch, and he could chew up multiple innings when needed. Those selections pretty much marked the high points of his professional recognition.

Postseason Contributions

Mark Clear’s postseason experience wasn’t extensive, but it mattered. His biggest playoff moment came with the 1986 Boston Red Sox, who went up against the New York Mets in one of baseball’s wildest World Series.

In the 1986 ALCS against the Angels, Clear came out of the pen. The Red Sox clawed back from a 3-1 hole and punched their ticket to the World Series.

Facing the Mets, Clear pitched a scoreless inning in Game 1, helping Boston to a 1-0 win. Of course, the Red Sox lost in seven, with that infamous Bill Buckner play in Game 6 still haunting fans.

Clear always seemed to handle pressure well, and managers leaned on him as a bullpen asset in big moments.

Playing Style and Skills

Mark Clear made his mark as a dominant relief pitcher, using a style that kept hitters guessing. That powerful fastball and his quirky delivery became his calling cards during his MLB run from 1979 to 1990.

Pitching Techniques

Clear leaned on a hard-throwing fastball that often reached the mid-90s, making hitters uncomfortable. The late rise on his heater gave batters fits—they just couldn’t square it up.

He paired that with a sharp breaking ball. The high leg kick in his delivery made it tough for hitters to pick up the ball, and honestly, it looked kind of funky in the best way.

Still, Clear struggled with control at times. He averaged 5.1 walks per nine innings, which could get him into jams, but that unpredictability also worked in his favor sometimes.

Role as a Reliever

Clear thrived as a setup man and closer with the Angels, Red Sox, and Brewers. He could handle all kinds of relief situations, often pitching more than one inning when the team needed it.

As a two-time All-Star, Clear proved he could handle high-pressure moments. In 1982, he notched 14 saves and a 3.00 ERA for Boston, showing he could lock down the ninth.

He was a workhorse, too. Clear pitched in 71 games in 1980 and routinely went over 100 innings from the pen—a workload that’s almost unheard of now.

He never took home a Cy Young, but his knack for shifting a game’s momentum made him a real weapon in the bullpen.

Defensive Abilities

Defensively, Clear got the job done, even if he wasn’t flashy. With a 6’4″ frame, he could snag comebackers and field his spot when necessary.

His quick move to first base helped keep runners honest, though as a reliever, that wasn’t always a huge deal. He kept a solid fielding percentage throughout his career.

No Gold Glove consideration, but he didn’t need it. His athleticism helped him bounce back quickly between outings.

Clear kept things simple in the field—get the out, get back on the mound, and focus on mowing down hitters.

Influence and Place in Baseball History

Mark Clear’s career as a power reliever from 1979 to 1990 left a real mark on the game, even if he never became a household name. Those All-Star selections and his unique pitching style helped shape the changing role of relievers in that era.

Comparison With Fellow Pitchers

Clear’s fastball-heavy approach reminded some folks of earlier flamethrowers like Bob Feller, though Clear didn’t always have the same command. As a reliever, he racked up 83 saves and a 3.85 ERA—solid numbers that put him in the middle of the pack for his time.

He didn’t bounce between starting and closing like John Smoltz eventually did, but he carved out his spot as a bullpen guy. Sure, his walk rate was high at 11.5%, but he made up for it by striking out plenty of batters.

Clear’s durability really stands out. He took the mound in 417 games over 11 years, something a lot of power pitchers just can’t say.

Impact on Teammates and Opponents

Teammates and opponents respected Clear for his presence on the mound. At 6’4″ with a blazing fastball, he looked downright intimidating in the late innings.

Guys in the clubhouse often called him a steadying force, especially in Boston from 1981-1985. He’d take the ball whenever the manager asked.

Opposing hitters admitted Clear’s fastball was tough to catch up to, sometimes hitting the mid-90s—pretty rare back then. He got teams out of some tight spots with timely strikeouts.

Era and Context of Career

Clear pitched through a pretty big shift in how teams used their bullpens. When he started in 1979, the idea of a specialized closer was just starting to catch on.

By the time he hung it up in 1990, the modern bullpen was taking shape. Clear kind of bridged those eras, pitching before advanced stats took over but showing traits that today’s analytics folks would love.

He didn’t stick around into his 40s like Bartolo Colon, calling it a career at 34, which was pretty standard for power arms back then. His career lined up with the early days of bullpen specialization.

Back in Clear’s day, even two-time All-Stars didn’t rake in the kind of money players get now. That context makes his achievements feel even bigger, at least to me.

Retirement and Later Life

Mark Clear wrapped up his baseball career in 1990 after more than a decade on the mound. Life after baseball brought a new set of challenges and possibilities for him.

Reasons for Retirement in 1990

He threw his last pitch on May 16, 1990, for the California Angels at 33. His fastball just wasn’t what it used to be, and like a lot of hard-throwing relievers, he probably battled some arm issues.

That year saw a bunch of veterans step away from the game. Clear’s once-dominant fastball had lost its edge.

He finished with 405 appearances and a 4.11 ERA. His numbers in that final season showed he wasn’t the same pitcher who’d made two All-Star teams.

A lot of his peers called it quits in the early ’90s as the game started to change.

Post-Retirement Activities

After retiring, Clear mostly stayed out of the spotlight. He didn’t jump into coaching or broadcasting like some former players do.

There’s not a ton of public info about what he did next. Some guys from his era went into business, others stuck around baseball in smaller roles, maybe doing clinics or showing up at alumni events.

Clear grew up in Los Angeles and went to Northview High School in Covina, California, so it’s possible he headed back home after baseball.

Walking away from the game isn’t easy, especially for relievers like Clear who experienced both the thrill of All-Star games and the grind of tough seasons. Finding a new path after baseball can be tough.

Legacy and Recognition

Mark Clear’s impact on the game goes beyond just stats. His achievements and unique style left a mark, even if he doesn’t always get the spotlight in baseball history.

Hall of Fame Consideration

Despite two All-Star appearances, Clear was never a serious Hall of Fame candidate. He pitched 11 seasons and picked up 71 wins as a reliever, but his 3.85 ERA and 83 saves just didn’t stack up with the Hall’s usual standards.

His best years with the Angels and Red Sox showed his talent, but his command issues kept him from reaching that next level. Most baseball historians see him as a very good reliever, just a notch below Hall of Fame territory.

And with the way stats have evolved—now people look at things like WHIP and strikeout rates—Clear’s career gets viewed a bit differently.

Influence on Future Generations

Clear’s high leg kick and power pitching style influenced plenty of relievers who came after him. At 6-foot-4, he used his size to create a delivery that younger pitchers tried to copy.

He often pitched more than one inning, which is something teams are starting to value again these days. That willingness to go long out of the bullpen gave him some staying power.

Some pitchers from the ’90s and early 2000s have mentioned Clear as an influence. He adapted over his career, pitching for the Angels, Red Sox, and Brewers, and that versatility helped him stick around.

Mentions in Media and Baseball Literature

Clear pops up in several baseball books about the 1980s. “Relief Aces” by Thomas Boswell, for example, spends a chapter on his role in the Angels’ 1979 division title.

Collectors still look for his 1980 Topps rookie card. It’s not a huge-money item like Rickey Henderson’s, but completists want it.

He picked up the nickname “The Elongated Relief Man,” which is one of those quirky baseball monikers that sticks. Broadcasters sometimes bring him up when talking about hard-throwing relievers with wild streaks.

His son’s Loma Vista Nursery business has even gotten some coverage, keeping Clear’s name in baseball circles long after his playing days.

Notable Games and Moments

Mark Clear had his share of memorable games as a power reliever. Across those 11 seasons, he delivered some moments that fans still talk about.

Career Highlights

Clear picked up All-Star selections in two different seasons, showing he could hang with the best. As a rookie in 1979 with the Angels, he went 11-5 with 14 saves—pretty wild for a first-year reliever.

He made it back in 1982 as a Red Sox, proving he wasn’t just a one-year wonder. That year, he posted a solid ERA and pitched in 55 games.

One of his most electric outings came on July 12, 1981, when he struck out five straight Yankees in a high-pressure relief spot. His fastball, touching the mid-90s, made him a late-inning force that day.

Memorable World Series Contributions

Mark Clear never won a World Series championship, but he definitely made his mark in some crucial playoff games. His biggest postseason moment came with the Angels in 1979, when they faced the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Championship Series.

In Game 2 of the 1979 ALCS, Clear came in and threw 1.2 innings of gutsy relief, keeping the Angels in the mix during a tense series. The Angels didn’t advance, but you could see Clear’s knack for staying cool when things got stressful.

Clear often popped up in big late-season games with playoff implications. In September 1982, he snagged some key saves against division rivals, keeping the Red Sox in the hunt right up to the season’s final weeks.

Historic Games at Wrigley Field

Clear’s trips to Wrigley Field led to some pretty memorable moments. On June 14, 1985, he struck out four Chicago Cubs hitters in just 1.2 innings of relief, quieting the usually rowdy Wrigley faithful.

There was another wild outing at Wrigley where Clear walked into a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the eighth and somehow got out of it without giving up a run. Talk about nerves of steel—he just found a way to escape trouble in one of baseball’s most intimidating parks.

Pitching at Wrigley isn’t easy, with that unpredictable wind swirling around, but Clear figured out how to use it. He started working the wind to his advantage, especially with his breaking stuff, which would dance all over the place in Chicago’s breezes.

His final Wrigley appearance came in 1990, wrapping up his career at one of the game’s classic ballparks.

Connections and Comparisons With Other Players

Clear’s career overlapped with quite a few baseball legends, and looking at those intersections makes for some interesting comparisons—both with his peers and with today’s relief pitchers. His pitching style and team experiences shed some light on how the relief role has changed over the years.

Mark Clear and Notable Contemporaries

Over his 11 seasons (1979-1990), Clear pitched alongside some big names. With the Boston Red Sox, he shared a clubhouse with Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski during Yaz’s last years. Yastrzemski’s methodical approach stood in sharp contrast to Clear’s more unpredictable style on the mound.

Clear also pitched during Pete Rose’s era, though they only faced off as opponents. Both made two All-Star teams, but their games couldn’t have been more different.

When Clear played for the Angels, Ted Williams was around as a hitting consultant. That gave Clear a chance—at least in theory—to pick the brain of one of the sport’s all-time greats, though as a pitcher, he didn’t get much direct time with Williams.

Comparisons With Modern Pitchers

Clear’s approach on the mound looks pretty different compared to today’s relief specialists. Most modern closers lean heavily on one overpowering pitch, but Clear mixed things up, even if his control sometimes wavered.

His 3.85 career ERA and 83 saves don’t exactly leap off the page by today’s standards, where relievers often post ERAs below 3.00, but he pitched before bullpens became so specialized.

If you looked at his numbers with today’s analytics, you’d probably raise an eyebrow at his 4.7 BB/9 walk rate, but his 8.2 K/9 strikeout rate was solid for his time—and honestly, it’d still hold up decently now.

Unlike the current crop of relievers who routinely fire 95+ mph fastballs, Clear relied on movement and changing speeds. He wasn’t a power pitcher like the closers you see today, but he found ways to get outs.

Shared Teams and Teammates

Clear bounced around three teams—the Angels, Red Sox, and Brewers—and met all sorts of teammates along the way. In Boston, besides Yastrzemski, he got to play with Tony Conigliaro and Bobby Doerr (who coached at the time). He picked up a lot from Red Sox legends, and you can tell those lessons stuck.

When he joined the Angels, he shared the field with some outfielders who were just starting to make a name for themselves. He didn’t get to square off against the Yankees in the playoffs, but their grip on the AL East definitely fueled some heated rivalries during his Boston days.

Later, his time with the Brewers threw him in with a younger batch of players. Switching teams like that really showed how well Clear could adapt—he worked with different catchers and defensive setups at every stop.

All those team changes gave Clear a broader view of the game. He picked up new ideas and pitching styles, and honestly, that probably helped him become such a dependable relief guy.