Dale Says

I have a baseball in my small collection of memorabilia signed by Will Clark. It’s one of my favorite Giants souvenirs, because it brings back one special memory.

“Will the Thrill” was one of the all-time fan favorites of the San Francisco Giants. He played the game the way it should be played — with a fiery intensity and passion. He was also an excellent clutch hitter, which is always popular with fans. With those two characteristics, whenever Will came to bat everyone in the stadium paid attention.

Will was drafted in the first round (second overall pick) by the Giants in 1985, out of Mississippi State. He joined the Giants big-league team in 1986 and played his first eight years in a San Francisco uniform, compiling a .289 batting average. He later played five years for the Texas Rangers, two years for the Baltimore Orioles, and one year for the St. Louis Cardinals — with an excellent 16-season batting average of .303, in 1,976 games.

Will (the Thrill) got his nickname from San Francisco Giant’s catcher Bob Brenly, who pinned it on him after Clark reportedly stated, “I’m just thrilled to be here,” when asked about his recent call-up to the big leagues.

Will had many highlights during his long tenure in Major League Baseball, including All-Star games, Most Valuable Player awards, and earning Gold Gloves for his fine defensive work. But the highlight that stands out most for me was his hit that sent the Giants to the World Series in 1989.

I had just gotten married a couple of days before the Giants made the World Series that year, and Patty and I were driving to the airport to fly to our honeymoon when the deciding game started. The traffic was badly backed up on the way to the airport (the Giants still played at Candlestick Park in those days), and we arrived late to the the airport and missed our flight. I remember standing in the airport, watching our plane take off, and feeling very sad. But United Airlines found a later flight for us, and we went into an airport lounge to get something to eat and watch the end of the playoff game.

It was game five of the National League playoffs between the Giants and the Cubs. The Giants lead the series three games to one; one more win and they would be in the World Series. By the time we started watching the game it was in the sixth inning, and the Giants trailed the Cubs 1-0. (Big Daddy) Rick Reuschel had made amends for his poor start in Game 2 by giving up only one run over eight innings. Now the Giants were at bat, trailing by a run late in the game.

With two Giants out in the eight, the Cubs appeared ready to send the series back to Chicago. But Candy Maldonado pinch-hit for Reuschel and walked. Cub’s pitcher, Mike Bielcki, then loaded the bases by walking Brett Butler and Robbie Thompson. Cubs manager, Don Zimmer, sent to the bullpen for (Wild Thing) Mitch Williams to get the Cubs out of the mess. Will the Thrill was up next. He drove home the pennant willing runs with a single to center field that gave the Giants a 3-1 lead. Will had once again delivered in crucial spot, the Cubbies were finished, and the Giants were in the World Series.

We flew later that day on to our honeymoon. All was right with the world: we were happily married and Will The Thrill had put the Giants in the World Series.

Thanks, Will, for the Thrill.