A phenom who’s career was derailed by injuries, Clyde was the number one pick in the 1973 MLB draft. He immediately joined the team that picked him, the Texas Rangers, and made 18 starts that year, going 4-8 with a 5.01 ERA as an 18-year old. He was 3-9 the next season for the Rangers, making 21 starts in 28 appearances. Clyde made one start in 1975 before injuring his shoulder and being sent to the minors where he would remain for the next three seasons. Clyde had shoulder surgery during this period and eventually returned to the majors in 1978 with the Cleveland Indians. He went 8-11 with a 4.28 ERA that year for Cleveland. He pitched in in nine games in 1979. These games would be his final appearances in the majors. Clyde remained in the minor leagues through 1981 when, at the age of 26, his career ended.
Clyde’s first start came on June 27, 1973 against the Minnesota Twins. He pitched five innings of one-hit ball, striking out eight and allowing two runs. The Rangers won the game 4-3, giving Clyde the win. Jim Kaat took the loss for Minnesota.
David Clyde – career statsÂ
