AT ISSUE
Clark’s commitment
What: As good a season as Arizona’s Tony Clark is having on the field, he has distinguished himself more off it. He signed a two-year, $2.29 million contract extension Aug. 12, well below market value. As part of his deal, he negotiated several charitable amendments.
Background: Clark is having a career season when most thought his career was over, belting 30 home runs in 332 at-bats. Of his 104 hits, 53 have gone for extra bases. Wanting to stay in Arizona where he lives, the deeply religious Clark agreed to a new two-year deal. Clark has a long history as a clubhouse leader and is a strong voice in the players’ union.
Renck’s take: When athletes talk about doing the right thing in the community, recorders often stop and eyes roll. Clark, though, is all substance. As part of his contract, the Diamondbacks will provide use of the owner’s suite for charity for four games, 1,000 tickets to games, $10 food vouchers for 34 underprivileged children to 34 games (34 is his uniform number), $15,000 worth of scholarships, 2,000 tickets for use by families with local military members serving overseas and a $5,000 donation to Little League. If Clark never gets another hit during the life of his contract, Arizona still got a great deal.
