David Clyde Made Infamous Texas Rangers, MLB Debut 50 Years Ago

Tuesday is the 50th anniversary of David Clyde's Texas Rangers debut, just two weeks after he was drafted in the first round in 1973.

On this date in Texas Rangers history, rookie pitcher David Clyde made his debut at Arlington Stadium.

Clyde, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Rangers on June 5, 1973, out of Houston’s Westchester High School, ended up in Arlington just 20 days after graduating.

The buzz around Clyde’s first start was palpable as he faced the Minnesota Twins. Clyde threw five innings, striking out eight and gave up just one hit in a 4-3 victory. Clyde started the game by walking the first two Twins, and then striking out the next three. It was also the first sellout in Rangers history.

Unfortunately, that might have been Clyde’s high-water mark with the Rangers. More a move designed to sell tickets than to fully develop Clyde as a pitcher, he threw three largely forgettable years with the Rangers.

After two years out of the Majors, he threw two more seasons for the Cleveland Indians. By 1979, Clyde was out of baseball with a career record of 18-33 with a 4.63 earned run average.

He became a cautionary tale for moving high school pitchers directly to the Major Leagues. But on Tuesday, the Rangers will honor Clyde on the 50th anniversary of his MLB debut.

Texas faces the Detroit Tigers with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch at Globe Life Field.

Also on this date …

June 27, 1977: The Rangers hired Billy Hunter as manager. He was the Rangers’ four manager in a week, but at least he lasted the rest of the season. Oddly enough, former Twins legend Harmon Killebrew reportedly turned down the job.

June 27, 1987: Mike Stanley became the first player wearing a Rangers uniform to hit a pinch-hit, grand-slam home run.

June 27, 2010: Josh Hamilton hit a 485-foot home run at the Ballpark in Arlington. At the time it was the longest home run hit in the park.

Are we missing a moment from this day in Texas Rangers history? We’re happy to add it. Hit us up on Twitter @PostinsPostcard and let us know what to add.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.

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