A to Z Angels: Mark Clear

Name: Mark Alan Clear

Position: Starting/Relief Pitcher

Throws: Right

Bats: Right

Number(s): 25

Years Played As an Angel: 1979-1980, 1990

Angels’ Stats: 22-16, 3.55 ERA, 209 Ks, 23 Saves

Career Stats: 71-49, 3.85 ERA, 804 Ks, 83 Saves

How He Was Acquired: Started major league career as an Angel, though he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1974.

Why You Should Know Him: Mark Clear made his major league debut on April 4, 1979 with the California Angels. His last appearance was on May 16, 1990, also as a Halo. In between those two stints he pitched five years with the Boston Red Sox and three with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Clear, who had a superior curveball but struggled with control, was an All-Star for the Angels as a rookie, and then again with Boston in 1982. He was traded along with third baseman Carney Lansford and outfielder Rick Miller to Boston for outfielder Butch Hobson and shortstop Rick Burleson in December of 1980. Clear’s uncle, Bob, was a coach with the Angels from 1976-1986.

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Memorable Moments/Games: Clear was 11-5 with 14 saves as a rookie in 1979, finishing 37 games. He took the loss in the playoff series against Baltimore, giving up three earned runs in 5.2 innings pitched.

Anecdotes and Quotes: Clear was noted for having a nearly unhittable curveball. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t quite get a handle on it himself, as control problems prevented him from being an elite pitcher. When he made the team as a rookie over veteran Ken Brett, he found out in a roundabout way. “They never told me I’d made the team,” he said. “I came to the park and they had a suitcase with my name on it.”