Windsor native Stubby Clapp was officially inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday in St. Marys, Ont., just two days after the 25th anniversary of his Major League Baseball debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1991.
Humbling experience for Clapp
“It’s been a very humbling experience and I’m very grateful for all that people have poured into me,” the 53-year-old Clapp said after receiving his plaque from hall of famer Fergie Jenkins and board member Chris Stamper.
Clapp is the first inductee from the Windsor area since Fred Thomas was posthumously honoured in 2021. He was one of six new inductees on Saturday, alongside Kate Psota, Jim Baba, Bill Stoneman, Devon White and Paul Runge.
Journey from Mic Mac Park to the hall
Clapp’s baseball journey began at Mic Mac Park with the Windsor Selects, leading to a spot on the provincial team. He then played for Baseball Canada’s squad at the world youth tournament that won gold in Brandon, Man., in 1991.
“Baseball Canada was a springboard for my whole career,” Clapp said.
He attended the Academie Baseball Canada before landing at Texas Tech University, where the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the 36th round of the 1996 MLB draft. Five years later, Clapp made his MLB debut in St. Louis, appearing in 23 games.
Impressive minor league career
Despite a brief MLB stint, Clapp enjoyed an 11-year minor league career, playing more than 900 games. The Class AAA Memphis Redbirds retired his number in 2007. His connection to Baseball Canada remained strong, and the organization named an annual award in his honour.
In 1999, at the Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, Clapp delivered a walk-off, bases-loaded single in extra innings as Canada upset the United States and won the bronze medal—Canada’s first-ever medal at the event.
“I have the bat I had the game-winning hit with and I had everyone on the team sign it,” Clapp said.
International representation and coaching career
Clapp was a member of Canada’s 2004 Summer Olympic team that placed fourth, and again in 2008. He represented Canada in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 and was named to the roster in 2009.
“I’ve got all kinds of different gear and uniforms,” Clapp said. “Even Olympic opening ceremony gear.”
In 2007, Clapp turned to coaching. He spent six seasons in the Houston Astros’ system, including two as a manager, before joining the Toronto Blue Jays for four seasons. In 2017, he returned to the St. Louis organization to manage the Class AAA Memphis team, where he had starred as a player. Over two seasons, he guided Memphis to a 174-107 record (.619 winning percentage) and was named Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year in back-to-back seasons.
