Ken Clay, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who secured two World Series titles with the New York Yankees in 1977 and 1978, has died at the age of 71. The Yankees organization was informed of his passing on Sunday by Dr. Jim Warner, the executive medical director for the Centra Heart & Vascular Institute in Lynchburg, Virginia. Clay died at his home in Lynchburg on Thursday, with Warner attributing the cause to heart and kidney issues.
A Brief but Memorable MLB Career
Clay, who primarily served as a reliever, made his major league debut in June 1977. He appeared in two games during the World Series that year against the Los Angeles Dodgers, contributing to the Yankees' championship victory. In 1978, he returned to the World Series, again facing the Dodgers, though his performance was less stellar—he gave up a three-run homer to Davey Lopes in Game 1 during his sole appearance.
Postseason Highlights and Struggles
His most notable postseason moment came in the 1978 American League Championship Series opener against the Kansas City Royals. With the Yankees leading 4-0, Clay entered the game in the sixth inning with one out and the bases loaded. He pitched three and two-thirds scoreless innings, earning a save in a decisive 7-1 win. However, his career took a downturn in 1979, when he posted a 1-7 record and was demoted to the minors.
After spending time in the minors, Clay was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Gaylord Perry. He made eight starts for the Rangers in 1980, finishing with a 2-3 record, before being traded to the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners released him during spring training in 1982, effectively ending his MLB tenure. Over his career, Clay made 111 appearances, including 36 starts, with a record of 10-24, three saves, and a 4.68 ERA.
Controversies and Legal Troubles
During his struggles in 1979, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner publicly criticized Clay, famously labeling him a 'morning glory'—a term derived from horse racing, implying he performed well in practice but not in actual games. Off the field, Clay faced a series of legal issues post-retirement. In 1987, he pleaded guilty in Virginia to stealing over $16,000 from a ring distributor where he worked.
Further legal troubles followed in 1992, when he was sentenced to one year in a Virginia jail for stealing $550 from a car dealership. In 2001, he pleaded guilty to forgery and related charges in Florida, agreeing to repay more than $40,000 to creditors after using an ex-girlfriend's personal information to defraud three credit card companies.
Despite these challenges, Clay's legacy in baseball remains tied to his contributions during the Yankees' championship runs in the late 1970s, marking a bittersweet chapter in the sport's history.
