Ken Clay was part of the New York Yankees roster that captured the World Series titles in 1977 and 1978, and he has sadly passed away at the age of 71. The organization was informed of his death.
It was Dr. Jim Warner, executive medical director for the Centra Heart & Vascular Institute in Lynchburg, Virginia, who notified the Yankees this past Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Clay passed away at his home in Lynchburg, and according to the physician, the cause of death was related to heart and kidney problems.
The story of Ken Clay in Major League Baseball
Ken Clay served primarily as a relief pitcher throughout his time in the major leagues. He made his debut in June of 1977 and appeared in two games during the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The following year, in 1978, he was again part of the team that faced Los Angeles, and in his lone appearance, he surrendered a three-run home run to Davey Lopes.
His most notable performance came in the American League Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals. When Clay entered the game, the Yankees held a four-run lead, with one out on the board and the bases loaded in the sixth inning.
Clay delivered a standout effort, pitching 3 innings and securing the save in a 7-1 victory that sent the team to compete for the championship against their West Coast rivals.
By 1979, things unraveled for Clay, who finished the season with a 1-7 record and was subsequently sent down to the minor leagues. The following year, he was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Gaylord Perry.
With Texas, he made eight starts in 1980 and posted a 2-3 record, which led the Rangers to trade him to the Seattle Mariners the next season. By the spring of 1982, the Mariners had released him.
Ken Clay’s numbers in the Major Leagues
He did not have an extensive career in Major League Baseball, but these were his statistics during his time on the mound:
- 111 career appearances
- 36 starts
- 10-24 record
- 3 saves
- 4.68 ERA
Ken Clay’s legal troubles
In 1987, Ken Clay pleaded guilty in Virginia to stealing more than $16,000 from a ring distributor he worked for after his baseball career had ended.
In 1992, he was sentenced to one year in prison in the same state for stealing $550 from the owner of a car dealership where he was employed. Later, in 2001, he also pleaded guilty to forgery and additional charges in Florida.
He agreed to repay $40,000 to creditors after using a former girlfriend’s personal information to commit fraud against three credit card companies.
He now rests in peace.
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