The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Stan Clarke Inducted 2010 - Class of 1978
After attending Cherry Elementary School in North Toledo’s Polish Village and playing in numerous pick-up baseball games in the vacant lots that dotted the area, Stan moved to Woodward High School with lime-lined baseball fields, an elevated pitcher's mound, actual padded bases, and a coach who he would later call the "best baseball coach in the city," Fred Cieslewski, who Stan credits with helping him in advancing his baseball career.
While attending Woodward High School, Stan compiled a fantastic record as a pitcher winning 28 games, losing only 9. During this winning streak "Lefty Clarke" struck out 324 batters in 250 innings, while walking only 57 and giving up178 hits. Stan was chosen All-City in baseball three times and pitched in the State of Ohio All-Star game during his senior year. Also, during his senior year, Stan was runner-up for Toledo City League's player of the year in 1978.
Advancing to the state baseball tournament in Stan's senior year was an especially important event
to Stan while at Woodward. Fond memories also include the many friends that he made at WHS, including Bob Steedman, Bob Moore, Roger Rills, George McCormick, Kyle Baker, and AI Specht.
Stan received a baseball scholarship to The University of Toledo, where he had an excellent three years on the field. Stan’s career 17-7 win-loss record was impressive when you consider he struck out 176 players, while walking only 76. Stan was named First Team All-MAC his sophomore year and, that summer, he was selected to play on the USA team in the World Baseball Tournament held in Japan. With Stan’s excellent control and pitching, the USA team won the championship with Stan named to the Tournament All-Star Team.
In Stan's last year at The University of Toledo, he finished with an 8-2 record, and was also drafted to a professional contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, making his professional debut in 1983. Stan's noteworthy professional baseball career spanned 12 years with five major league teams. He played professionally until 1991 with the aforementioned Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and St. Louis Cardinals.
Because of his fine baseball career, Stan was inducted into The University of Toledo's Varsity "T" Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Toledo City League High School Hall of Fame in 2002.
Stan resides in Toledo with his wife Karen, and three daughters - Sami, Kati and Kyli. He enjoys golfing and playing Roy Hobbs Baseball every Sunday during the summer. He is employed by J.M. Packaging in sales.