Standout second baseman during a dismal era for Yankees
Horace Clarke, a dependable though light-hitting second baseman for the New York Yankees in the 1960s and ’70s, died on Wednesday at his home in Laurel, Md. He was 82.
His death was confirmed by the office of his cousin, Stacey E. Plaskett, the Democratic delegate who represents the Virgin Islands in Congress. His son Jeffrey said the cause was complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
At the time of his debut in 1965, Mr. Clarke, an undersized middle infielder, was one of just four players born in the U.S. Virgin Islands to make it to the major leagues. He played 12 seasons in the majors, all but part of the last season for the Yankees.
Mr. Clarke had the misfortune of joining the Yankees just as the team was about to tumble from the heights of greatness. During
Mr. Clarke’s 10-year tenure, New York failed to make the postseason once.
Horace Meredith Clarke was born on June 2, 1938, in Frederiksted, St. Croix, to
Dennis and Vivian (Woods) Clarke. He was the youngest of six children.
Mr. Clarke began his MLB career as a reserve, appearing mostly at third base and as a pinch hitter. He was made the full-time second baseman in 1967.
From 1965-74, Mr. Clarke was one of just 10 players who posted 150 or more stolen bases and 1,200 or more hits — a list that also includes Hall of Famers Joe Morgan and Lou Brock.
A pesky switch-hitter, Mr. Clarke broke up three potential no-hitters during the 1970 season, all in the ninth inning. Since 1961, only one other player has broken up three potential no-hitters in the ninth inning: Minnesota Twins AllStar catcher Joe Mauer. Only Mr. Clarke did it in one season.
Among players born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a relatively small roster, Mr. Clarke is the leader in games played, hits, runs, RBIs and stolen bases.
In addition to his son Jeffrey, Mr. Clarke is survived by another son, Jason; his sisters, Violet Armstrong and Hollis Jefferson; and four grandchildren.